Real time video special effects system and method

ABSTRACT

A user interface system and method of recording/editing a video while applying special effects in real time. The interface can be associated with an electronic device including a processor in communication with a camera and a memory unit, or can receive previously prepared video. A first speed rate of the video can be changed by modifying a frame in the video data to create a different modified video data at a modified speed rate that. This allows for continuous recording and/or displaying of video at different speed rates without altering operations or settings. The interface can include time guidelines associated with selectable speed rates, to display which speed rate setting is near a touching finger or pointing device. The guidelines can be activated automatically or can change color, shape, intensity or other property based on finger location, and can aid in object positioning in a field-of-view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 basedupon co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/793,747 filed onFeb. 18, 2020, wherein U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/793,747 is acontinuation-in-part application based on U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/456,639 filed on Jun. 28, 2019, which is a continuationapplication based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/173,066 filedon Oct. 29, 2018 and now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,404,923 issued onSep. 3, 2019, and wherein U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/793,747 isa continuation-in-part application based on U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/456,589 filed on Jun. 28, 2019, which is a continuationapplication based on U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/173,033 filedon Oct. 29, 2018 and now patented as U.S. Pat. No. 10,388,322 issued onAug. 20, 2019. The entire disclosures of the prior applications areincorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 basedupon co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/456,639 filed onJun. 28, 2019, wherein U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/456,639 is acontinuation application based on U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/173,066 filed on Oct. 29, 2018 and now patented as U.S. Pat. No.10,404,923 issued on Sep. 3, 2019. The entire disclosures of the priorapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 basedupon co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/456,589 filed onJun. 28, 2019, wherein U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/456,589 is acontinuation application based on U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/173,033 filed on Oct. 29, 2018 and now patented as U.S. Pat. No.10,388,322 issued on Aug. 20, 2019. The entire disclosures of the priorapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part under 35 U.S.C. § 120 basedupon co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/936,350 filed onJul. 22, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/456,589 filed on Jun. 28, 2019, wherein U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/456,589 is a continuation application based on U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/173,033 filed on Oct. 29, 2018 and now patentedas U.S. Pat. No. 10,388,322 issued on Aug. 20, 2019. The entiredisclosures of the prior applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present technology relates to a real time video special effectsgraphical user interface, system and method for use in connection withcontrolling, creating or editing special effects in video recordingswhile recording is in progress or from an existing video feed.Particularly, the present technology relates to an interface associatedwith a system and method of decoding and altering a speed rate of avideo stream from a device live or in real time prior to being recordedand written to long term memory storage with no post editing. Moreparticularly, the present technology relates to displaying timeguidelines on the graphical user interface that are associated withselectable speed rate settings.

Background Description

Modern video formats utilize a variety of frame rates. Film, which wasalmost universally shot at 24 frames per second, could not be displayedat its native frame rate, which required pulldown conversion, oftenleading to “judder”. For example, to convert 24 frames per second into60 frames per second, every odd frame is doubled and every even frame istripled, which creates uneven motion. Other conversions have similaruneven frame doubling. Newer video standards support 120, 240, or 300frames per second, so frames can be evenly multiplied for common framerates such as 24 frames per second (fps) film and 30 fps video, as wellas 25 and 50 fps video in the case of 300 fps displays. These standardsalso support video that is natively in higher frame rates, and videowith interpolated frames between its native frames.

Native camera applications (app) in devices running on electronicdevices, such as smartphones, can record in regular time and thenprocess the video data stream to create slow motion and in speed up timeor time-lapse. However, these known systems or methods do not utilize auser interface where the user can manually control the “time specialeffects” within the video in real time while recording. For example, thenative camera app in the Samsung Galaxy S9+® has a special effectfeature where the camera changes the frames per second capture rate whenthe app detects that the an object has crossed inside a portion of thescreen, as indicated with a box outline in the middle of the screen inthis case.

Third party apps like Instagram®, Facebook® and Snapchat® uses camerasfrom mobile devices, but these apps have no feature that allows the userof the app to modify the slowing down or speeding up of the recordingspeed in real time while recording is in progress.

With higher end feature-rich camera apps like FILMiC Pro®, users canpre-set the recording frame rate speed and playback frame rate speedindependently of each other, thus, creating slow motion and speed upeffects in the final produced video.

Time remapping of optical flow is known like with Premiere Pro CC 2015,which enables users to achieve smooth speed and framerate changes byinterpolating missing frames. Optical Flow interpolation modifies thespeed of clips containing objects with no motion blur that are moving infront of a mostly static background that contrasts highly with theobject in motion.

Motion interpolation or motion-compensated frame interpolation (MCFI) isa form of video processing in which intermediate animation frames aregenerated between existing ones by means of interpolation, in an attemptto make animation more fluid and to compensate for display motion blur.

It can be appreciated that the use of motion interpolation as it reducesmotion blur produced by camera pans and shaky cameras and thus yieldsbetter clarity of such images. It may also be used to increase theapparent framerate of video game software for a more realistic feel,though the addition of input lag may be an undesired side effect. This“video look” is created deliberately by the Video Field InterpolationRestoration Effect (VidFIRE) technique to restore archive televisionprograms that only survive as film telerecordings. VidFIRE is arestoration technique intended to restore the video-like motion offootage originally shot with television cameras now existing only informats with telerecording as their basis. The main differences betweenan artificially and naturally high framerate (via interpolation versusin-camera), are that the latter is not subject to any of theaforementioned artifacts, contains more accurate (or “true to life”)image data, and requires more storage space and bandwidth since framesare not produced in real time.

Motion compensation is an algorithmic technique used to predict a framein a video, given the previous and/or future frames by accounting formotion of the camera and/or objects in the video. It is employed in theencoding of video data for video compression, for example in thegeneration of MPEG-2 files. Motion compensation describes a picture interms of the transformation of a reference picture to the currentpicture. The reference picture may be previous in time or even from thefuture. When images can be accurately synthesized from previouslytransmitted/stored images, the compression efficiency can be improved.

Motion compensation exploits the fact that, often, for many frames of amovie, the only difference between one frame and another is the resultof either the camera moving or an object in the frame moving. Inreference to a video file, this means much of the information thatrepresents one frame will be the same as the information used in thenext frame.

Using motion compensation, a video stream will contain some full(reference) frames; then the only information stored for the frames inbetween would be the information needed to transform the previous frameinto the next frame.

Frame Blending may be another technique known to those skilled in theart. In some footage, using Optical Flow for creating smoother motionmay not produce the desired results. In such scenarios, you can use oneof the other time interpolation options—Frame Sampling or FrameBlending. Frame Sampling repeats or removes frames as needed to reachthe desired speed. Frame Blending repeats frames, and it also blendsbetween them as needed to help smooth out the motion.

It can be appreciated that using known video speed manipulationtechniques can include a disadvantage of not providing to the user thecurrent speed rate or a proximity of cursor or touch input in changingto a next speed rate. It is difficult for the user to “eyeball” thedistance their fingers are from one an on-screen actuatable operation toa next on-screen actuatable operation when the user moves their fingeracross a touch screen. The user's finger could have a tendency to driftright or left as they zoom in and out, or during other gestureoperations, thereby accidentally crossing over to an adjacent on-screenactuatable icon, button or region. This disadvantage in known techniquesis readily apparent when the user's finger accidentally moves to theleft or right, thereby unwittingly activating an operation associatedwith sliding or drifting of the user's finger or pointing device.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particularobjectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describea real time video special effects system and method that allows creatingspecial effects in video recordings while recording is in progress.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types ofvideo speed rate changing systems and methods now present in the priorart, the present technology provides a novel real time video specialeffects system and method, and overcomes one or more of the mentioneddisadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. As such, the generalpurpose of the present technology, which will be described subsequentlyin greater detail, is to provide a new and novel real time video specialeffects system and method and method which has all the advantages of theprior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in areal time video special effects system and method which is notanticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the priorart, either alone or in any combination thereof.

According to one aspect of the present technology, there can be providedan interface system utilizable with controlling a special effectsoperation of video data. The system can include an electronic deviceincluding at least one processing unit in operable communication with adisplay and at least one memory. A user interface can be associated withthe electronic device and displayable on the electronic device. The userinterface can include a display region, and one or more affordancesconfigured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing aspeed rate of video data. One or more guidelines can be displayable inthe display region, and at least one of the guidelines can include aparameter associated with the input.

The user interface can be operably implemented or implementable on theelectronic device and executable by the processing unit.

According to another aspect, the present technology can include anon-transitory computer readable medium with an executable programstored thereon comprising instructions for execution by at least oneprocessing unit for controlling a special effects operation of videodata, such that the instructions when executed by the at least oneprocessing unit causes the at least one processing unit to display videodata on a user interface displayed on a display of an electronic device.The instructions when executed can further cause the at least oneprocessing unit to receive an input from an affordance of the userinterface upon activation of the affordance by a user. The input can beutilizable in changing a speed rate of the video data. The userinterface can be executable by the at least one processing unit anddisplayable on the display. The instructions when executed can furthercause the at least one processing unit to display on the user interfaceone or more guidelines, with at least one of the guidelines including aparameter associated with the input.

The instructions when executed can further cause the at least oneprocessing unit to modify the video data to create modified video dataat a modified speed rate that is different to a first speed rate of thevideo data, and to change a playing speed of the video data beingdisplayed on the user interface from the first speed rate to themodified speed rate based in part on the input.

According to still yet another aspect, the present technology can be amethod for controlling a special effects operation of video data. Themethod can include steps of displaying a user interface including aspeed rate affordance on a display operably associated with anelectronic device including at least one processing unit and at leastone memory in operable communication with processing unit. Receiving, bythe processing unit, an input associated with the speed rate affordancebased upon activation by a user, the input being associated withchanging a speed rate of video data. Displaying, by the processing unit,output video data to the display. Displaying one or more guidelines onthe graphical user interface, at least one of the guidelines including aparameter associated with the input.

According to another aspect of the present technology, there can beprovided a video display system utilizable with controlling a specialeffects operation of live recording or recorded video data in real time.The system can include an electronic device including at least oneprocessing unit in operable communication with a display and at leastone memory. The processing unit can be configured to receive video datain real time from a camera, the memory or a secondary memory notincluded with in the electronic device. A graphical user interface canbe operably implemented or implementable on the electronic device andexecutable by the processing unit. The graphical user interface can beconfigured or configurable to provide a video display region and one ormore affordances displayable on the display. The affordances can each beconfigured or configurable to provide one or more inputs to at least oneoperation executed or executable by the processing unit of theelectronic device. The graphical user interface can be configured orconfigurable to display one or more guidelines in at least the videodisplay region. The guidelines can be configured or configurable toassociate with one or more speed rate indicators displayed on thegraphical user interface.

According to still another aspect, the present technology can include anon-transitory computer readable medium with an executable programstored thereon comprising instructions for execution by at least oneprocessing unit for controlling a special effects operation of liverecording or recorded video data in real time, such that theinstructions when executed by the at least one processing unit can causethe at least one processing unit to receive video data from a camera ora video feed. The video data can at least in part correspond to imagesbeing captured by the camera in real time or in the video feed in realtime. The instructions when executed can further cause the at least oneprocessing unit to display on a graphical user interface at a firstspeed rate the video data being captured in real time or in the videofeed in real time. The instructions when executed can further cause theat least one processing unit to receive at least one input from anaffordance of the graphical user interface upon activation of theaffordance by a user. The graphical user interface can be executable bythe at least one processing unit and displayable on a display. Theinstructions when executed can further cause the at least one processingunit to display on the graphical user interface one or more guidelines.The guidelines can be configured or configurable to associate with oneor more speed rate indicators displayed on the graphical user interface.

According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include amethod for controlling a special effects operation of live recording orrecorded video data in real time. The method can include the steps ofdisplaying a graphical user interface including at least one speed rateaffordance on a display operably associated with an electronic deviceincluding at least one processing unit and at least one memory inoperable communication with processing unit. Receiving, by theprocessing unit, video data at a native speed rate from a camera or avideo feed. The video data can at least in part correspond to imagesbeing captured by the camera or from the video feed in real time.Receiving, by the processing unit, at least one input from the speedrate affordance upon activation by a user associated with changing aspeed rate of the video data. Displaying, by the processing unit, outputvideo data to the display. Wherein the output video data can be any oneor any combination of the following: the video data at a native speedrate, and a modified video data at a modified speed rate different tothe native speed rate. Displaying one or more guidelines on thegraphical user interface. The guidelines can be configured orconfigurable to associate with one or more speed rate indicatorsdisplayed on the graphical user interface.

According to still yet another aspect, the present technology can be acomputer-implemented method for controlling a special effects operationof live recording or recorded video data in real time. The method caninclude the steps of displaying a graphical user interface including atleast one speed rate affordance on a display operably associated with anelectronic device including at least one processing unit and at leastone memory in operable communication with processing unit. Receiving, bythe processing unit, video data at a native speed rate from a camera ora video feed. The video data can at least in part correspond to imagesbeing captured by the camera or from the video feed in real time.Receiving, by the processing unit, at least one input from the speedrate affordance upon activation by a user associated with changing aspeed rate of the video data. Displaying, by the processing unit, outputvideo data to the display. Wherein the output video data can be any oneor any combination of the following: the video data at a native speedrate, and a modified video data at a modified speed rate different tothe native speed rate. Displaying one or more guidelines on thegraphical user interface. The guidelines can be configured orconfigurable to associate with one or more speed rate indicatorsdisplayed on the graphical user interface.

According to still another aspect of the present technology, there canbe provided a video capture and display system for controlling a specialeffects operation of live video recording data in real time. The systemcan comprise one or more cameras configured to capture video of a realworld scene; an electronic device including at least one processing unitoperably connected or connectable to the camera, and at least onememory; and a graphical user interface operably implemented orembeddable on the electronic device and executable by the processingunit. The graphical user interface can be configured or configurable to:provide one or more affordances to a user, the affordances each can beconfigured or configurable to provide one or more inputs to at least oneoperation executed or executable by the processing unit of theelectronic device; display on the graphical user interface at normalspeed the video being captured; and change a video playing speed on thegraphical interface of the video being captured from the normal playingspeed to a modified playing speed in response to at least one of theinputs received by the graphical user interface in real time whilerecording is in progress.

According to still yet another aspect, the present technology caninclude a video recording interface system for controlling a specialeffects operation of live video recording data in real time is provided.The system can comprise an electronic device including at least oneprocessing unit in operable communication with a camera and at least onememory. The camera can be configured to capture raw video data in realtime and provide the raw video data to the processing unit. A graphicaluser interface can be associated with the electronic device anddisplayable on the electronic device. The graphical user interface cancomprise a video display region configured to display a video feed, arecord affordance, and at least one first affordance. The recordaffordance can be configured or configurable to provide at least onerecord input receivable and usable in determining if a recordingoperation is to be started or stopped. The first affordance can beconfigured or configurable to provide at least one input receivable andusable in determining a change in speed rate of raw video data from anative speed rate to a modified speed rate. The processing unit can beconfigured or configurable to: receive the record input and the inputfrom the graphical user interface; determine if the input is associatedwith changing the native speed rate of the raw video data and if so tomodify at least one frame in the raw video data to create modified videodata at the modified speed rate that are different to the native speedrate in real time with receiving the raw video data from the camera; anddisplay the video feed in the video display region. The video feed canbe one of the raw video data at the native speed rate, the modifiedvideo data at the modified speed rate, and a combination of the rawvideo data and the modified video data.

According to yet another aspect, the present technology can include avideo recording interface system for controlling a special effectsoperation of live video recording data in real time is provided. Thesystem can comprise an electronic device including at least oneprocessing unit in operable communication with a camera and at least onememory, the camera can be configured to capture raw video data in realtime; and a graphical user interface associated with the electronicdevice and displayable on the electronic device. The graphical userinterface can comprise a video display region, and at least one firstaffordance configured or configurable to provide at least one inputreceivable and usable by the processing unit in determining if the inputis associated with changing the native speed rate of the raw video dataand if so to modify at least one frame in the raw video data to createmodified video data at the modified speed rate that are different to thenative speed rate in real time with receiving the raw video data fromthe camera. Wherein the graphical user interface can be configured toreceive the modified video data from the processing unit and display themodified video data in the video display region.

According to another aspect, the present technology can include a methodfor controlling a special effects operation of live video recording datain real time. The method can comprise the steps of: displaying agraphical user interface including at least one affordance on a displayoperably associated with an electronic device including at least oneprocessing unit and at least one memory in operable communication withprocessing unit; receiving, by the processing unit, raw video data at anative speed rate from a camera, the raw video data at least in partcorresponds to images captured by the camera in real time; receiving, bythe processing unit, at least one input from the affordance uponactivation of the affordance by a user; determining, by the processingunit, if the input is associated with changing the native speed rate ofthe raw video data and if so modifying the raw video data to createmodified video data at one or more modified speed rate that aredifferent to the native speed rate in real time with receiving the rawvideo data from the camera; and displaying at least a first region ofthe graphical user interface, by the processing unit, output videorecording data to the display, wherein the output video recording datais one of the raw video data at the native speed rate, the modifiedvideo data at the modified speed rate, and a combination of the rawvideo data and the modified video data.

According to still another aspect, the present technology can include aclient-side electronic system for controlling a special effectsoperation of live video recording data in real time. The system caninclude a memory and a processor that are respectively configured tostore and execute software instructions. The instructions are organizedinto: a graphical user interface component configured or configurable todisplay a video feed on a display of an electronic device, and anaffordance capable of providing an input; a raw data receiving componentconfigured or configurable to receive a request to acquire raw videodata at a native speed rate from a camera, wherein the raw video datacan at least in part correspond to images captured by the camera in realtime; a speed rate determination component configured or configurable toreceive the input from the graphical user interface to change the nativespeed rate of the raw video data from the camera to at least onemodified speed rate; a frame modification component configured orconfigurable to, upon receiving a request to change the native speedrate, identify at least one frame or location in the raw video data tobe modified, and modifying the frame or location to create modifiedvideo data at the modified speed rate that is different to the nativespeed rate in real time with receiving the raw video data from thecamera; and an output video recording data displaying componentconfigured or configurable to display output video recording data to adisplay of the electronic device in real time with receiving the rawvideo data from the camera, wherein the output video recording data isselected from one of the raw video data at the native speed rate, themodified video data at the modified speed rate, and a combination of theraw video data and the modified video data.

According to even yet another aspect, the present technology can includean interface system including an interface in operable communicationwith a processing unit that is in operable communication with at leastone camera configured or configurable to provide raw video data at anative speed rate, wherein the raw video data at least in partcorresponds to images captured by the camera, at least one memory unitand at least one display. The interface can be associated with at leastone computer-readable storage media in communication with the processingunit or a computer system including at least one processor. Theinterface can be a graphical user interface including a portionconfigured or configurable to generate an input associated with adesired speed rate of a raw video data received from the camera. Theprocessing unit is configured or configurable to use the input todetermine if the raw video data is to be modified to create a modifiedvideo data with a speed rate different to a native speed rate of the rawvideo data in real time with receiving the raw video data from thecamera. The interface can be configured or configurable to displayoutput video recording data in real time with receiving the raw videodata from the camera. The output video recording data can be configuredor configurable to include a combination of the raw video data and themodified video data, with a transitioning between the raw video data andthe modified video data being dependent on the input.

According to even still another aspect, the present technology can be acomputer-implemented method for controlling a real time special effectsoperation of live video recording data. The method can include the stepsof receiving, by at least one processing unit, raw video data at anative speed rate from a camera at a request by a user input from atleast one interface that is operably associated with the processingunit, wherein the raw video data at least in part corresponds to imagescaptured by the camera in real time. The method can include determiningif the input is associated with changing the native speed rate of theraw video data and if so modifying the raw video data to create modifiedvideo data with one or more modified speed rate that is different to thenative speed rate in real time with receiving the raw video data fromthe camera. The method can further include writing at least one outputvideo recording data to the memory, wherein the output video recordingdata is one of the raw video data at the native speed rate, the modifiedvideo data at the modified speed rate, and a combination of the rawvideo data and the modified video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the guidelines canbe displayed upon activation of at least one of the one or moreaffordances or while at least one of the one or more affordances is inan activated state.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the guidelines arenot displayed upon deactivation of at least one of the one or moreaffordances or while at least one of the one or more affordances is in adeactivated state.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the parameter canbe selected from the group consisting any one or any combination ofcolor, pattern, length, thickness, flashing, brightness, shape,orientation, and display time.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the guidelines canbe vertically oriented in the display region with each of the guidelinesextending from or being associated with a speed rate indicator displayedon the user interface.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the guidelines canbe multiple guidelines, and a color of at least one of the guidelinescan be changed to a different color to that of at least one other of theguidelines based in part on the input.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology at least one of theone or more affordances can be a speed rate affordance associated withchanging the speed rate of the video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology at least one of theguidelines displayed on the user interface can be activated, modified ordeactivated automatically based on a distance of the speed rateaffordance with one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the userinterface.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the speed rateaffordance or at least one of the guidelines on the user interface canbe activated, modified or deactivated based on a touch input on thedisplay.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology the input can beassociated with a gesture on the display of the electronic device, thegesture being selected from the group consisting any one or anycombination of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, a sliding, apinch, and a touch holding and sliding.

Some embodiments of the present technology can include a video playingspeed of the video data that can be changed from a first speed rate to amodified playing speed rate in response to the input. The changing ofthe video playing speed can be accomplished by the processing unit ofthe electronic device or a remote processing unit of a remote device incommunication with the processing unit of the electronic device.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the speed rate ofthe video data can be changed from a first speed rate to a modifiedspeed rate when a finger touches the display, and then revert from themodified speed rate to the first speed rate when the finger is removedfrom the display.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the speed rate ofthe video data can be changed from a first speed rate to a modifiedspeed rate upon a first finger tap on the display, and then revert fromthe modified speed rate to the first speed rate upon a second finger tapon the display.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology at least one of theaffordances can be movable on the user interface to provide a movableaffordance.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the movableaffordance can be configured or configurable in determining a change inzoom factor of the video data based on vertical movement of the movableaffordance on the user interface.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the movableaffordance can be a speed rate affordance associated with changing thespeed rate of the video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the user interfaceis a graphical user interface.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the one or moreaffordances can include a slide bar associated with changing the speedrate of the video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the guidelines ora portion thereof can be vertically or horizontally oriented in thevideo display region or in any port of the graphical user interface.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the guidelines canbe displayed or displayable according to a parameter, which isconfigurable by a user.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the guidelines canbe two or more guidelines, with at least part of each of the two or moreguidelines can be displayed in the video display region in a spacedapart relationship.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the spaced apartguidelines can be configured or configurable on the graphical userinterface to represent a field-of-view of the video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the graphical userinterface can be configured or configurable by the processing unit toseamlessly change a playing speed on the graphical user interface of thevideo data from the first speed rate to the modified speed rate.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the graphical userinterface can include a current speed rate indicator that is configuredor configurable to indicate a playing speed rate of the video data beingdisplayed in real time.

Some or all embodiments of the present technology can include one ormore cameras that can be configured to capture video of a real worldscene. The camera and the graphical user interface can be incorporatedin the electronic device or the camera can be remote from the electronicdevice.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the one or moreaffordances can include a zoom affordance configured or configurable indetermining a change in zoom factor of the video data. The zoomaffordance can be associated with at least one of the guidelines.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the guidelines canbe displayed on the graphical user interface in an orientation differentto an orientation of a speed rate slide bar, a speed rate affordance ora speed rate indicator.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the processingunit can modify the video data by adding at least one new frame to thevideo data or removing at least one frame from the video data to createthe modified video data.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the processingunit can modify a first or native speed rate of the video data to amodified speed rate when a finger touches the graphical user interface,and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first or nativespeed rate when the finger is removed from the graphical user interface.

There are, of course, additional features of the present technology thatwill be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter ofthe claims attached.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology will be better understood and objects other thanthose set forth above will become apparent when consideration is givento the following detailed description thereof. Such description makesreference to the annexed drawings wherein, with the phantom(dash-dot-dash) lines depicting environmental structure and forming nopart of the claimed present technology:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the real time videospecial effects system constructed in accordance with the principles ofthe present technology.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram view of the real time recording speed controlmethod of the present technology.

FIG. 3A is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of a native frame rate in accordance with the teachings of thepresent technology.

FIG. 3B is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame dropping in accordance with a fast motion speed at 2×the native frame rate.

FIG. 3C is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame dropping in accordance with a fast motion speed at 3×the native frame rate.

FIG. 3D is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame adding using frame copying in accordance with a slowmotion speed at −2× the native frame rate.

FIG. 3E is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame adding using frame copying in accordance with a slowmotion speed at −3× the native frame rate.

FIG. 3F is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame adding using frame blending in accordance with a slowmotion speed at −2× the native frame rate.

FIG. 3G is a representation of a series of video frames indicating anexample of frame adding using frame blending in accordance with a slowmotion speed at −3× the native frame rate.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary integrated circuit chip embedded in anelectronic computing device that may be used to implement an embodimentof the present technology.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary electronic computing device that may beused to implement an embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example of the overall process includingsubroutines that can be utilized.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of an example of a main process that initiallydetermines if a speed up and/or slowdown special effects should beutilized in real time.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart of an example of the write video streamsubroutine associated with the present technology.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an example of the apply special effectssubroutine associated with the present technology.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an example of the speed up subroutineassociated with the present technology.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an example of the frame dropping subroutinein simulating fast motion associated with the present technology.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an example of the advanced slow motionsubroutine associated with the present technology.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of an example of the frame adding subroutine insimulating slow motion associated with the present technology.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an example of the variable high recording fpssubroutine (120 fps) in simulating slow motion associated with thepresent technology.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an example of the constant frame rate slowmotion subroutine associated with the present technology.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of an example of the constant high recording fpssubroutine (60 fps) in simulating slow motion associated with thepresent technology.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of an example of the constant high recording fpssubroutine (120 fps) in simulating slow motion associated with thepresent technology.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of an example of the constant high recording fpssubroutine (240 fps) in simulating slow motion associated with thepresent technology.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an example of extreme slow motion subroutineassociated with the present technology.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an example of time expansion and compressionsubroutine to simulate slow motion and fast motion associated with thepresent technology.

FIG. 21 is a representation of a series of associated recording andplayback video segments per time in seconds indicating an example of atime compression of FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is a flow chart of an example of a recording using a variableplayback rate to simulate slow motion and fast motion associated withthe present technology.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of an example of a playback device playing avideo file created by an application employing the algorithm in FIG. 22to simulate slow motion and fast motion associated with the presenttechnology.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of an example a possible process by a userutilizing the user interface associated with the present technology.

FIG. 25 is a sample graphical user interface (GUI) screenshot of theinterface system of the present technology.

FIG. 26 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI while recording in normal “1×” speed utilizing theprocess of the present technology.

FIG. 27 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI while recording in slow motion “—2×” speed utilizingthe process of the present technology.

FIG. 28 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI while recording in fast motion “3××” speed utilizingthe process of the present technology.

FIG. 29 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Review Screen” of the deviceemploying the GUI while the user has stopped recording utilizing theprocess of the present technology.

FIG. 30 is a sample GUI screenshot of the “Review Screen” of FIG. 29 toreview the captured video utilizing the process of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 31 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Composition Screen” of thedevice employing the GUI before recording has started utilizing theprocess of the present technology.

FIG. 32 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Recording Screen” of the deviceemploying the GUI while recording has started in fast motion “2×” speedutilizing the process of the present technology.

FIG. 33 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Slow Motion Resolution” screenof the device employing the GUI including scrollable sections utilizingthe process of the present technology.

FIG. 34 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Slow Motion Resolution” screenof the device employing the GUI including slide bars utilizing theprocess of the present technology.

FIG. 35 is a sample GUI screenshot of an alternative “Slow MotionResolution” screen of the device employing the GUI including scrollablesections utilizing the process of the present technology.

FIG. 36 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Slow Motion Scale” screen ofthe device employing the GUI including a slide bar in setting a slowmotion factor levels utilizing the process of the present technology.

FIG. 37 is a sample GUI screenshot of an alternative “Slow MotionResolution” screen of the device employing the GUI including a verticalslide bar utilizing the process of the present technology.

FIG. 38 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI including the time guidelines displayedutilizing the process and/or of the present technology.

FIG. 39 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI including the slide bar in setting afast motion factor level with a fast motion time guideline nearest thefinger or pointing device being displayed utilizing the process and/orsystem of the present technology.

FIG. 40 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI including the slide bar in setting afast motion factor level with a fast motion time guideline nearest thefinger or pointing device and the current fast motion factor level beingdisplayed utilizing the process and/or system of the present technology.

FIG. 41 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI with a slow motion factor level beingset remote from the slide bar, and with a slow motion time guidelinenearest the finger or pointing device, a finger guideline and thecurrent slow motion factor level being displayed utilizing the processand/or system of the present technology.

FIG. 42 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI with the slide bar in a verticalorientation, and the activated time guideline nearest the finger orpointing device in a horizontal orientation utilizing the process and/orsystem of the present technology.

FIG. 43 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” or “Editing View”of the device employing the GUI with the time guidelines being used toguide the finger or pointed device in a vertical sliding direction tocontrol the zooming function utilizing the process and/or system of thepresent technology.

FIG. 44 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a vertical or upward finger swipe motionappearing the selectable options bar and with a “Fast/Slow Motion”option selected on the selectable options bar utilizing the processand/or system of the present technology.

FIG. 45 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” with a touch andhold finger operation selecting a “−4×” slow motion factor level withits corresponding slow motion time guideline nearest the touching fingerbeing displayed in a different characteristic to that of thenon-selected guidelines utilizing the process and/or system of thepresent technology.

FIG. 46 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” while the user has stopped video recording or image capturingutilizing the process and/or system of the present technology.

FIG. 47 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” of the “TimeSpeed” option utilizing the process and/or system ofthe present technology.

FIG. 48 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” of the “Boomi” option utilizing the process and/or system of thepresent technology.

FIG. 49 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Fast Motion” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 50 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” with a touch andhold finger operation selecting a “4×” fast motion factor level with itscorresponding fast motion time guideline nearest the touching fingerbeing displayed in a different characteristic to that of thenon-selected guidelines utilizing the process and/or system of thepresent technology.

FIG. 51 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a normal option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 52 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Boomi” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 53 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” of the “Boomi” option utilizing the process and/or system of thepresent technology.

FIG. 54 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “SlideShow” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 55 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” of the “SlideShow” option utilizing the process and/or system ofthe present technology.

FIG. 56 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Collage” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 57 is a sample GUI screenshot of an “Editing View” or “ReviewScreen” of the “Collage” option utilizing the process and/or system ofthe present technology.

FIG. 58 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Hands-Free” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 59 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Custom” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 60 is a sample GUI screenshot of a “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI with a “Capture” option selected on the selectableoptions bar utilizing the process and/or system of the presenttechnology.

FIGS. 61-80 are sample GUI screenshots of the present technology, withthe phantom (dash-dot-dash) lines depicting environmental structure andforming no part of the claimed present technology or design and with thedashed (dot-dot) vertical lines representing the guidelines being partof the present technology and design.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularembodiments, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present technology. However, it will be apparent toone skilled in the art that the present technology may be practiced inother embodiments that depart from these specific details.

It is known that video recordings are made up a series of frames orgroup of pictures displayed at a speed rate to create motion. Theseframes of images or video can be characterized as digital frame data,which can be buffered in the playing back of the video. The frame rate(expressed in frames per second or fps) is the frequency (rate) at whichthese consecutive frames appear on a display. This can be appliedequally to film and video cameras, computer graphics, and motion capturesystems. Frame rate may also be called the frame frequency, and beexpressed in hertz.

Real-time recording and/or playback of video is typically performed at arate of thirty (30) fps. It is desirable in several situations to speedup or slowdown the playback of the video. This is typically conductedwhile keeping the recording and playback frames per second at 30 fps inorder to maintain compatibility with the existing components, such asthe display devices, etc. For example, if a viewer wanted to speed upthe playback of a video by a certain percentage from the standardreal-time playback speed while keeping 30 fps, the information or dataof a specific number of frames is required to be played back in a timesegmented for 30 frames. A scheme to create this is to skip one frame,from the recorded video, out of every predetermine number of frames sothat the appropriate number of frames of video are displayed at 30 fps.It is noted that these known systems and methods are provided as apost-recording process, which skips frames from a 30 fps recording. Therecording is initially written to memory in real time at 30 fps, with nospecial effects.

The present technology solves the problem of requiring “post productionediting” to insert the time modification special effects, which can betime and resource costly, especially for amateur filmmakers.

Furthermore, the present technology solves the problem of pre-settingthe motion recording speed to either fast motion or slow motion whereuser cannot adjust the motion recording speed in real time during therecording process.

Even still further, the present technology solves the problem ofpresetting the motion recording speed where a user cannot adjust themotion recording speed continuously and vary from fast motion to slowmotion in real time during the recording process.

The present technology alleviates and solves the issue requiringhardware support for every device. By using the software algorithm tosimulate slow motion, it is not device dependent and the resulting fileis much smaller than hardware supported slow motion video.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particularobjectives and requirements, the aforementioned devices or systems donot describe a real time video special effects system and method thatallows creating special effects in video recordings while recording isin progress. The present technology additionally overcomes one or moreof the disadvantages associated with the prior art by adding or removingframes from the frame strip provided by the camera in real time.

Still further, there is no known interface for the user to change thespeed of recording and the duration to apply the special effects in realtime while recording is in progress. Furthermore, the scene has to berelatively fixed, with the camera not panning or following the action.The algorithm associated with this known system uses a motion sensorwhile the camera remains steadily fixed on a scene and the subject hasto traverse the scene while the rest of the scene remains fixed.

The present technology can utilize a graphical user interface associatedwith the electronic device that modifies the frames from a camera inreal time prior to recording or saving.

A need exists for a new and novel real time video special effects systemand method that can be used for creating special effects in videorecordings while recording is in progress. In this regard, the presenttechnology substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the realtime video special effects system and method according to the presenttechnology substantially departs from the conventional concepts anddesigns of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatusprimarily developed for the purpose of creating special effects in videorecordings while recording is in progress.

Users of the present technology can in “real time” produce videos thatcontain the special effect of user controlled variable timemodification, aka fast motion or slow motion, by using the userinterface programmed into the device's apps that run on their supportedoperating systems, and other embedded devices. The produced video istaken in one-shot, with all of the time modification commands entered inreal time while recording.

For exemplary purposes, the present technology can utilizes a set videoframe rate to 30 fps, resulting in 30 frames per second while recording.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, a user can utilizea fast forward option of the present technology, which results indropping frames according to the set fast forward rate (like 1×, 2×, 3×,etc.). If the user sets 2× fast forward video then the presenttechnology can append the 1st frame in writer and skips the 2nd frame,then write the 3rd frame, and then skip the 4th frame and so on. Theresultant video that is recorded is at the predefined fast forward speedin real time while retaining a 30 fps.

In some or all embodiments, a user can utilize a slow motion option ofthe present technology, which results in appending a same frame twicethereby repeating this frame so the final video that is recorded is inslow motion. For example, if the user sets 2× slow video then thepresent technology can append the 1st frame in writer, and the sameframe append to the next time/frame slot. The resultant video that isrecorded is at the predefined slow motion speed in real time whileretaining a 30 fps.

The present technology allows the user to control the recording device's(and any other video recording device) recording speed and other camerasettings while recording through the use of the custom user interface,such that when the user plays the video immediately after the presenttechnology algorithm has processed the commands, the playback speed ofthe scenes correspond with the commands during recording. The presenttechnology accomplishes this with software simulation without having toincrease the recording device's frame rate and is not device dependentand works across all platforms.

An additional aspect of the present technology can be to increase theframe rate of the recording device while recording is in progress. Thisrequires application programming interface (API) access to limitednumber of supported hardware and there is no industry standard API,which limits the number of supported devices. The display shows thecurrent time recording rate, from normal speed to 3× faster, or −3×slower (can be 4×, 5× or more). The user can control the recording rateby utilizing the interface.

Numerous advantages exist with the present technology, such as an easyto use custom user interface, wherein the user can add special effectsof time modification into the video in real time while recording is inprogress. This is an advantage over existing technology because the usercan produce a video with the special effects (variable fast and slowmotion recording speeds) while recording of that video is in progress.This reduces the time and costs to produce videos with these kinds ofspecial effects by not requiring a separate video editing software andor paying a video editor to edit and produce a comparable video. Usercan enjoy viewing the videos they created with the special effectsimmediately once they have completed recording and brief processing timefor the device to process adding the special effects and automaticallyproducing a new video with the special effects implemented.

Another advantage of user's manual control of the special effect in realtime is that the user can pan along with the movement of the scene, andcapture the peak moment of the action and use continuously variableslow/fast motion at just the right time and for as long as desired, andthen return back to normal speed as the user is recording.

Still another advantage is that the present technology is not hardwaredependent for the slow or fast motion special effect to work. Thesoftware algorithm simulates the slow or fast motion.

Even still another advantage is that with the manual user interface, thecamera does not have to remain stationary while pointing at a stationaryscene for an AI software to determine the “action” to apply the specialeffects thereto.

Another advantage is that the present technology can accept input from,but not limited to, a remote camera feed, a joystick, a retina scanner,a body suit controller, on-screen subject gestures and a tactile userinterface.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can also be appliedto add time modifying special effects to pre-existing videos. The usercan control the time variable in the playback by using the same familiareasy to use left-right on a compatible device, such as a smartphone ortablet, to control and modify the values for the playback time value,from −3× to 4× in this case. It can be appreciated that there areadditional abilities to the factor of time modification once digitalprocessing technology has advanced sufficiently to be able tointerpolate data and images in between frames captured one the video.

When the user slides towards the 4×, the recorded speed is played backfaster than normal, up to 4× faster. When the user slides towards the−3×, the recorded speed is played back slower than normal, up to 3×slower.

In some or all embodiments, the raw video data can include data such as,but not limited to, streaming video data, video, audio, depth, objectidentification, histogram, and combination thereof.

In some or all aspects, the processing unit can be configured orconfigurable to preclude the raw video data from being written to thememory unit from the camera, such that the present technology canintercept the raw video data.

In some or all embodiments, the input can be one or more desired speedrate values that the modified speed rate is based on. Where the modifiedspeed rates can be one of less than the native speed rate or greaterthan the native speed rate.

If the modified speed rate is less than the native speed rate, then theprocessing unit can be configured or configurable to add at least oneframe to the raw video data to create the modified video data.

If the modified speed rate is greater than the native speed rate, thenthe processing unit can be configured or configurable to remove at leastone frame from the raw video data to create the modified video data.

If the input is not a request to change the native speed, then theprocessing unit can be configured or configurable to keep all the framesfrom the raw video data and write the raw video data to memory.

In some or all embodiments, the interface can be a graphical userinterface including a portion configured or configurable to generate theinput that is associated with the native speed rate or the modifiedspeed rate. The graphical user interface can be configured orconfigurable to display the output video recording data in real timewith receiving the raw video data from the camera. The output videorecording data can be configured or configurable to include acombination of the raw video data and the modified video data, with atransitioning between the raw video data and the modified video databeing dependent on the input. It can be appreciated that the interfacecan be a joystick or can utilize a joystick.

In yet another aspect, the interface can be operable associated with atleast one computer-readable storage media storing instructions that,when executed by the processing unit or a processor of a computersystem, causes the processing unit to direct the raw video data from thecamera to the processing unit and as well as to the memory unit in realtime with receiving the raw video data from the camera, and to write theraw video data from the processing unit to the memory unit or apply atleast one algorithm to the raw video data to create the modified videodata and write the modified video data from the processing unit to thememory unit.

According to yet another aspect of the present technology, the presenttechnology can be a method of recording a video at one or more speedrates in real time with receiving the raw video data from the camera.The method can include the steps of receiving, by at least oneprocessing unit, raw video data at a native speed rate from a camera inreal time with capturing images at least in part corresponding with theraw video data from the camera, and receiving an input from at least oneinterface that is operably associated with the processing unit. Themethod can include determining, by the processing unit, if the input isassociated with changing the native speed rate of the raw video data andif so modifying the raw video data to create modified video data at oneor more modified speed rates that are different to the native speed ratein real time with receiving the raw video data from the camera. Themethod can further include writing, by the processing unit, output videorecording data to at least one memory, wherein the output videorecording data is one of the raw video data at the native speed rate,the modified video data at the modified speed rate, and a combination ofthe raw video data and the modified video data.

Some or all embodiments of the present technology can includedetermining if the modified speed rate is less than the native speedrate, and if so then modifying the raw video data can include adding atleast one new frame to the raw video data to create the modified videodata.

In some or all embodiments, the method can include adding the new frameby copying at least one raw frame to create the new frame, and addingthe new frame to the raw video data adjacent to the raw frame.

In some or all embodiments, the new frame to be added can be a pluralityof new frames each being a copy of at least one raw frame from the rawvideo data, with the new frames being added to the raw video dataadjacent to the raw frame that was copied.

In some or all embodiments, the method can include adding the new frameby frame blending at least two raw frames to create the new frame, andadding the new frame to the raw video data between the two raw frames.

In some or all embodiments, the new frame(s) to be added can be aplurality of new frames each being a blend of at least two raw framesfrom the raw video data, with the new frames being added to the rawvideo data between the raw frames that was blended.

In some or all embodiments, each of the new frames can be added to theraw video data adjacent to the raw frame or adjacent to a second rawframe of the raw video data.

Some or all embodiments can include the step of determining if themodified speed rate is greater than the native speed rate, and if sothen modifying the raw video data can include removing at least onefirst raw frame from the raw video data to create the modified videodata.

In some or all embodiments, the removing of the first raw frame caninclude selecting the first raw frame to be removed, and then removingthe first raw frame from the raw video data to create the modifiedframe.

In some or all embodiments, the interface can be a graphical userinterface including a portion configured or configurable to generate theinput that is associated with the native speed rate or the modifiedspeed rate, and wherein the interface is configured or configurable todisplay the output video recording data.

Some or all embodiments can include the output video recording databeing a combination of the raw video data and the modified video data.With the modified video data configured or configurable to includemultiple subsets each having a speed rate dependent on the input. Wherea transitioning between the raw video data and any one of the subsets orbetween any of the subsets is dependent on the input, and wherein theoutput video recording data is displayed in the graphical user interfacein real time with receiving the raw video data from the camera.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include anextreme slow motion subroutine at constant high recoding fps. Thissubroutine can be utilized for slow motion speed ranges greater than orequal to −8×, by passing through an unchanged video stream or makecopies of each frame a predetermined number of times.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include a segmenttime compression and expansion subroutine that provides an algorithm forslow motion and fast motion by speeding up or slowing down the playbacktime during video processing after the recording has stopped. Thissubroutine can set the device's recording and/or playback fps, and setvideo segment playback fps to equal the recording fps using an algorithmthat utilizes in part the segment playback fps and record fps.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include avariable playback speed record subroutine that provides an algorithm forslow motion and fast motion by speeding up or slowing down the playbackframe rate while video recording is in progress. This algorithm canproduce a normal video with the fast/slow motion commands embedded inthe video's metadata.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can include avariable playback speed playback subroutine that provides an algorithmfor playing a video file with slow motion and fast motion specialeffects by speeding up or slowing down the playback frame rate whilevideo playback is in progress.

Some or all embodiments can include the graphical user interface beingconfigured or configurable by the processing unit to revert from playingat the modified playing speed on the graphical user interface the videobeing captured to playing the video being captured at the normal speed.

In some or all embodiments, the graphical user interface can beconfigured or configurable by the processing unit to revert from playingat the modified speed on the graphical user interface the video beingcaptured to playing the video being captured at the normal playing speedin response to a user input received by the graphical user interface.

In some or all embodiments, the graphical user interface can beconfigured or configurable by the processing unit to seamlessly changethe playing speed on the graphical interface of the video being recordedfrom the normal playing speed to a modified playing speed.

In some or all embodiments, the graphical user interface can bedisplayed on a display of the electronic device, and the graphical userinterface can include multiple regions with a first region beingconfigured or configurable to display the video being captured at thenormal playing speed, and a second region being configured orconfigurable to display the video being captured at the modified playingspeed.

Some or all embodiments of the graphical user interface can include afirst affordance including at least one selectable value from aplurality of values.

In some or all embodiments, the selectable value can be selected by agesture on the display of the electronic device selected from the groupconsisting of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, a sliding, apinch, and a touch holding and sliding.

In some or all embodiments, the plurality of values of the firstaffordance can include varying speed rates associated with slow motionspeed, fast motion speed and normal speed.

In some or all embodiments, the graphical user interface can include asecond affordance configured or configurable to provide a second inputto the processing unit and usable in determining a change in zoom factorof the raw video data.

In some or all embodiments, the first affordance can be a slide barassociated with the varying speed rates, or the second affordance can bea slide bar indicating associated with varying zoom factors.

In some or all embodiments, the second affordance can be displayed inthe graphical user interface in an orientation different to anorientation of the first affordance.

In some or all embodiments, at least one of the first affordance and thesecond affordance is in part arranged over the video display region.

Some or all embodiments of the graphical user interface can include asecond video display region configured to display a second video feedthat can be different to the video feed displayed in the display regionand can be one of the raw video data at the native speed rate, themodified video data at the modified speed rate, and a combination of theraw video data and the modified video data.

In some or all embodiments, the graphical user interface can include arecord affordance configured or configurable to provide at least onerecord input receivable and usable by the processing unit in at leastdetermining if a recording operation is to be started or stopped. Therecord affordance can have a generally circular configuration with afirst annular region configured or configurable to display a time lapseindication of the captured raw video data.

Some or all embodiments of the graphical user interface can include oneor more additional affordances configured or configurable to provide atleast one additional input receivable and usable in initiatingadditional operations by the processing unit.

In some or all embodiments, the additional operations are selected fromthe group consisting of a flash, a hands free operation, a timer, a muteoperation, a rear camera operation, a setting operation associated withthe electronic device, a setting operation associated with the camera,an editing operation, a scene filter operation, an “Augmented Reality”(AR) filter operation, adding music operation, a filter operation, awriting operation, and a transmission operation.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, features of the presenttechnology in order that the detailed description thereof that followsmay be better understood and in order that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated.

Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present technology willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a readingof the following detailed description of the present technology, butnonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present technology whentaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception,upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present technology. It is, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presenttechnology.

Even still another object of the present technology is to provide a realtime video special effects system and method for creating specialeffects in video recordings while recording is in progress. This allowsa user to control the speed rate of the video prior to and whilerecoding is in progress in real time while acquiring the video from thecamera.

These together with other objects of the present technology, along withthe various features of novelty that characterize the presenttechnology, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed toand forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of thepresent technology, its operating advantages and the specific objectsattained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanyingdrawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustratedembodiments of the present technology. Whilst multiple objects of thepresent technology have been identified herein, it will be understoodthat the claimed present technology is not limited to meeting most orall of the objects identified and that some or all embodiments of thepresent technology may meet only one such object or none at all.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1-60 , some orall embodiments of the real time video special effects system and methodof the present technology are shown and generally designated by thereference numeral 10. As a general outline, the system comprises acamera configured to capture video of a real world scene or any videoremote video feed, including video games, a graphical user interface, atleast one memory; and at least one processing unit operably connected orconnectable to the camera, the graphical user interface and the at leastone memory. The at least one processing unit is configured to: play onthe graphical user interface at normal speed the video being captured;and change the video playing speed on the graphical interface of thevideo being captured from the normal playing speed to a modified playingspeed in response to a user input received by the graphical userinterface.

Referring now to some or all embodiments in more detail, new and novelreal time video special effects system and method 10 of the presenttechnology for creating special effects in video recordings whilerecording is in progress is illustrated and will be described withreference to FIG. 1 . More particularly, the real time video specialeffects system and method 10 can include a camera 12, an image processoror processing unit 14, a user interface 30 associated with theprocessing unit, a storage or memory unit 18, a display unit 20. Atleast one RAM memory and/or at least one non-volatile long term memorycan be operably connected or connectable with the processing unit 14. Itcan be appreciated that the camera 12 can be any device capable ofcapturing images and/or video, and can be associated or integrated witha microphone 16. The image processing unit 14 is in operablecommunication with the camera 12, microphone 16, the memory unit 18and/or the display unit 20. The image processing unit 14 intercepts theraw video data from the camera 12 and/or microphone 16, processes theraw video data in real time in possible accordance with at least onealgorithm, and then records output/final video recording data in thememory unit 18 and/or displays the output/final video recording data inthe display unit 20.

It can be appreciated that the system 10 can be configured orconfigurable as a complete video system of an electronic device havingone or more video cameras 12, one or more display devices 20, and one ormore integrated circuits or processors. Alternatively, it can beappreciated that the imaging processing unit 14 can be configured orconfigurable as a module or integrated circuit chip embedded in theelectronic device or with a component of the electronic device. Furtherin the alternative, the system 10 can be configured or configurable as avideo data processing device such as, but not limited to, a graphicsprocessing unit (GPU), digital signal processor (DSP), Active ServerPages (ASP), central processing unit (CPU), accelerated processing unit(APU), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC). Even further inthe alternative, the system 10 can be configured or configurable assoftware or programming code as part of an operating system orapplication running on or controlling the electronic device or camera.

The electronic device including the camera 12, microphone 16 and displayunit 20 can be, but not limited to, smart phones, smart watches,tablets, notebooks, desktop computers, laptops, DVD players, televisionsdigital cameras (point and shoot, single-lens reflex, video cameras,high end audio/visual gear), eyewear, drones, gimbals and otherstabilizers, selfie sticks, closed circuit video monitoring system, dashcam for cars, endoscopes, microscopes, telescopes, camera and/or displayembedded circuits, wearables, “Internet of Things” (IoT), and the like.

With reference to FIG. 2 , the processing unit 14 can be configured orconfigurable to receive an input of a user selection of a requestedrecording speed. The raw video data from the camera 12 can be divertedto the imaging processing unit 14, where the program and/or algorithmmodifies or retains the raw frames contained in the raw video data fromthe camera 12. The raw frames in the data stream are either modified orretained by the imaging processing unit 14 in real time, and then passedto the memory unit 18 and/or display unit 20.

Examples of operations of the imaging process unit using frame adding,frame blending and frame dropping are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-G. Whenactuated or while in operation, the imaging processing unit 14intercepts the raw video data 22 from the camera 12, which includes aseries of frames #1-#n at a native frame rate for proper presentation bythe display unit 20. For exemplary purposes, the frame rate shown inFIG. 3A can be 30 fps. The imaging processing unit 14 receives the rawframes 22 and then can modify or retain the raw frames dependent on oneor more inputs signals received by the imaging processing unit 14. Ifthe imaging processing unit 14 receives no input signals requesting anadjustment of the frame speed rate, then all the raw frames contained inthe raw video data 22 are passed through to other components such as thememory unit of the electronic device, as best illustrated in FIG. 3A.

In some or all embodiments, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives aspecial effect input signal associated with a fast motion recordingoperation, which represents a speed up or fast forward displaying at 2×the native frame rate, then the imaging processing unit 14 appropriatelymodifies the raw video data 22. Upon which, the raw frames 22 areprocessed using algorithm wherein every second frame is dropped, as bestillustrated in FIG. 3B. Raw frame #1 can be appended in writer, rawframe #2 can be skipped/dropped, then raw frame #3 can be written, andthen raw frame #4 can be skipped/dropped, and so on until a modified oroutput video recording data 24 is generated in 2× fast motion speed.This process is conducted in real time, and the fast motion output videois recorded in place of the raw video data 22, and/or displayed in realtime.

In some or all embodiments, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives aspecial effect input signal associated with a fast motion recordingoperation, which represents a speed up or fast forward displaying at 3×the native frame rate, then the imaging processing unit 14 appropriatelymodifies the raw video data 22. Upon which, the raw frames 22 areprocessed using algorithm wherein every second and third frames aredropped, as best illustrated in FIG. 3C. Raw frame #1 can be appended inwriter, the raw frames #2 and #3 can be skipped/dropped, then raw frame#4 can be written, then raw frames #5 and #6 can be skipped/dropped, andthen raw frame #7 can be written, and so on until a modified or outputvideo recording data 24 is generated in 3× fast motion speed. Thisprocess is conducted in real time, and the fast motion output video isrecorded in place of the raw video data 22, and/or displayed in realtime.

For example, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives a special effectinput signal associated with a slow motion recording operation, whichrepresents a slowdown or slow motion displaying at −2× the native framerate. Upon which, the raw frames 22 are processed using algorithmwherein every frame is duplicated/repeated, as best illustrated in FIG.3D. Raw frame #1 can be appended in writer, then raw frame #1 isduplicated and written, then raw frame #2 is written, then raw frame #2is duplicated and written, then raw frame #3 is written, and then rawframe #3 is duplicated and written, and so on until a modified or outputvideo recording data 24 is generated in −2× slow motion speed. Thisprocess is conducted in real time, and the slow motion output video isrecorded in place of the raw video data 22, and/or displayed in realtime or immediately after recording has stopped and the post recordingalgorithm has completed processing the commands entered while recording.

In some or all embodiments, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives aspecial effect input signal associated with a slow motion recordingoperation, which represents a slowdown or slow motion displaying at −3×the native frame rate, then the imaging processing unit 14 appropriatelymodifies the raw video data 22. Upon which, the raw frames are processedusing algorithm wherein every frame is duplicated/repeated at leasttwice, as best illustrated in FIG. 3E. Raw frame #1 can be appended inwriter, then raw frame #1 is duplicated twice and each is written, thenraw frame #2 is written, then raw frame #2 is duplicated twice and eachis written, then raw frame #3 is written, and then raw frame #3 isduplicated twice and each written, and so on until a modified or outputvideo recording data 24 is generated in −3× slow motion speed. Thisprocess is conducted in real time, and the slow motion output video isrecorded.

In some or all embodiments, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives aspecial effect input signal associated with a slow motion recordingoperation, which represents a slowdown or slow motion displaying at −2×the native frame rate. Upon which, the raw frames 22 are processed usingalgorithm wherein new frames are created as a result of “blending” oftwo adjacent frames, as best illustrated in FIG. 3F. Raw frame #1 can beappended in writer, then raw frame #1 is “blended” with raw frame #2 tocreate 1 new frame, #1a, and then #1 a is written, then raw frame #2 iswritten, then raw frame #2 is “blended” with raw frame #3 to create 1new frame, #2a, and then #2a is written, then raw frame #3 is written,then raw frame #3 is “blended” with raw frame #4 to create 1 new frame,#3a, and then #3a is written, and so on until a modified or output videorecording data 24 is generated in −2× slow motion speed. This process isconducted in real time, and the slow motion output video is recorded inplace of the raw video data 22, and/or displayed in real time orimmediately after recording has stopped and the post recording algorithmhas completed processing the commands entered while recording.

In some or all embodiments, if the imaging processing unit 14 receives aspecial effect input signal associated with a slow motion recordingoperation, which represents a slowdown or slow motion displaying at −3×the native frame rate. Upon which, the raw frames 22 are processed usingalgorithm wherein new frames are created as a result of “blending” oftwo adjacent frames, as best illustrated in FIG. 3G. Raw frame #1 can beappended in writer, then raw frame #1 is “blended” with raw frame #2 tocreate 2 new frame, #1a & 1b, and then #1a & #1b are written, then rawframe #2 is written, then raw frame #2 is “blended” with raw frame #3 tocreate 2 new frame, #2a & #2b, and then #2a & #2b are written, then rawframe #3 is written, then raw frame #3 is “blended” with raw frame #4 tocreate 2 new frame, #3a & #3b, and then #3a & #3b are written, and so onuntil a modified or output video recording data 24 is generated in −3×slow motion speed. This process is conducted in real time, and the slowmotion output video is recorded in place of the raw video data 22,and/or displayed in real time or immediately after recording has stoppedand the post recording algorithm has completed processing the commandsentered while recording.

It can be appreciated that additional fast and/or slow motion operationscan be performed with greater fast motion or slow motion speeds thanthose described above. It can further be appreciated that a combinationof fast motion and slow motion speeds can be implemented to a single rawvideo data in real time. Thus creating output/final video recording datacontaining portions of native speed rate, fast motion speed, slow motionspeed or any combination thereof.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 , a companion software application canbe associated with and/or executed by the image processing unit 14 or anelectronic computing device, machine or system 2 that is operablyassociated with the image processing unit 14. FIG. 4 is a diagrammaticrepresentation of the image processing unit 14 incorporated with anintegrated circuit chip 26, which can be embedded with an examplemachine or component thereof, such as the camera 12, in the form of theelectronic device 2, within which a set of instructions for causing thecomponent or electronic device to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein may be executed. Integrated circuit chip26 containing the image processing unit 14 can be configured orconfigurable to include firmware for its operation. It can beappreciated that the integrated circuit chip 26 can be embedded with thecamera 12, the display unit 20, or other components of the electronicdevice 2. It can be appreciated that remote controls connected to theelectronic device or camera through Bluetooth® or other protocols can beutilized.

The integrated circuit chip 26 can include a computer ormachine-readable medium on which is stored one or more sets ofinstructions and data structures (e.g., instructions) embodying orutilizing any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein. The instructions are configured or configurable for operation ofthe image processing unit 14, which can receive operational instructionsfrom the interface or GUI.

The device 2 can further include a number of different input (includingsimultaneous input from multiple feeds) and/or output (I/O) systems suchas, but not limited to, a touchscreen and GUI, sonar or subsonictransmitter, receiver and/or transceiver, voice command, Bluetooth®,remote controller, on-screen gesture command or infrared. The device 2can further record video or images from the video recording device to amemory/storage system such as, but not limited to, an internal memory,an external memory, external solid-state drive (SSD) or the cloud.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of the image processing unit 14incorporated with the electronic device 2 within which a set ofinstructions for causing the electronic device to perform any one ormore of the methodologies discussed herein may be executed.

In various example embodiments, the electronic device 2 operates as astandalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to otherdevices. In a networked deployment, the electronic device may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client machine in a server-client networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment. The electronic device may be a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a portable music player (e.g., a portablehard drive audio device such as an Moving Picture Experts Group AudioLayer 3 (MP3) player), a web appliance, a network router, switch orbridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatdevice. Further, while only a single electronic device is illustrated,the term “device” shall also be taken to include any collection ofdevices that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) ofinstructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussedherein.

The example electronic device 2 includes a processor or multipleprocessors (e.g., CPU, GPU, or both), and a main memory and/or staticmemory, which communicate with each other via a bus. In otherembodiments, the electronic device 2 may further include a video display(e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)). The electronic device 2 may alsoinclude an alpha-numeric input device(s) (e.g., a keyboard), a cursorcontrol device (e.g., a mouse), a voice recognition or biometricverification unit (not shown), a drive unit (also referred to as diskdrive unit), a signal generation device (e.g., a speaker), a universalserial bus (USB) and/or other peripheral connection, and a networkinterface device. In other embodiments, the electronic device 2 mayfurther include a data encryption module (not shown) to encrypt data.

The image processing unit 14 can be a module operably associated withthe drive unit, with the drive unit including a computer ormachine-readable medium on which is stored one or more sets ofinstructions and data structures (e.g., instructions) embodying orutilizing any one or more of the methodologies or functions describedherein. The instructions may also reside, completely or at leastpartially, within the memory and/or within the processors duringexecution thereof by the electronic device 2. The memory and theprocessors may also constitute machine-readable media.

The instructions may further be transmitted or received over a networkvia the network interface device utilizing any one of a number ofwell-known transfer protocols (e.g., Extensible Markup Language (XML)).While the machine-readable medium is shown in an example embodiment tobe a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” should be takento include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized ordistributed database and/or associated caches and servers) that storethe one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution bythe device and that causes the device to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present application, or that is capable of storing,encoding, or carrying data structures utilized by or associated withsuch a set of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shallaccordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-statememories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wave signals. Suchmedia may also include, without limitation, hard disks, floppy disks,flash memory cards, digital video disks, random access memory (RAM),read only memory (ROM), and the like. The example embodiments describedherein may be implemented in an operating environment comprisingsoftware installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination ofsoftware and hardware.

It is appreciated that the software application is configured orconfigurable to be stored in any memory of the electronic device 2 or ona remote computer in communication with the electronic device 2. Thesoftware application is configured or configurable to include theinterface capable of allowing a user to define a custom frame speed rateof the video to be recorded without changing the default frame speedrate by the camera 12.

Referring now in more to methods for controlling a special effectsoperation of live video capturing data in real time. As outline, in someor all embodiments, the methods comprise capturing a video of real worldscene with the camera; playing at normal speed on a graphical userinterface the video being captured; changing the playing speed on thegraphical user interface of the video being recorded from the normalplaying speed to a modified playing speed in response to a userinterface input received by the graphical user interface. Reference willnow be made in more detail to specific processes according to some orall embodiments for controlling special effects operations of live videocapturing data in real time.

A possible process of the software application or interface isillustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 24 . The interface and/or softwareapplication allows the user to select a predefined video recording speedrate in real time, without altering the raw speed rate provided by thecamera. This makes the present technology not camera or devicedependent. FIG. 6 illustrates an overall process of the presenttechnology including the user interface, the device, and the subroutinesassociated with the overall process.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the process of the present technology is describedwhich determines if any special effects option has been requested forraw video data stream from the camera. For exemplary purposes, thespecial effects can be the changing of video speed rate by modifying offrames in the raw video data. The process can be configured orconfigurable to initiate subroutines and/or subprocesses to assist inthe overall process.

The present technology software application is initiated and the userinterface is provided to the user. An initial step can be for the userto opens the App 50. After which, step 51 allows the user to go intoCamera Settings and selects either to use the electronic device's cameraor a remote video feed. The process then proceeds to step 52 wherein theuser starts the recording process. The camera or electronic devicereceives a “start” command 53 to initiate audio/video recording. It canbe appreciated that the camera “start” command can be initiated by thepresent technology software application, a camera application, any otherapplication associated with the electronic device or with a remotedevice in communication with the electronic device or camera.

Step 54 in the process can be to determine if the user has appropriatepermission to proceed with the process. At step 56, permissionattributes can be obtained from separate user settings, profiles,databases, keys, accounts, and the like. The permission attributes canbe obtained from a user database 58.

Step 60 determines if the user has the appropriate permission, and ifthe user does not have the appropriate permission, then the process isstopped or ends (step 94). If the user does have appropriate permissionthen the process proceeds to step 62, which will get the device'ssupported settings, including a maximum recording frame rate frames persecond (fps). Then the process sets the local or remote device'srecording fps based on user permission and device support in step 64,and then opens an input stream from the device in step 66.

Once the raw data input stream from the camera is communicated to theimage processing unit, then the process will then determine if the videodata stream from the camera is opened in step 68, while receivinginformation from step 62. This request can be utilized to check if imageprocessing unit is receiving the raw video data from the camera. The rawvideo data stream may include an integral or peripheral microphone, andcan be passed to the image processing unit and not to the memory unit orvideo recording device. If the process determines that the input streamis not opened, then the process is stopped or ends (step 94).

If the input stream is open, then the process proceeds to step 70 todetermine if the raw video data should be saved/recorded. If the rawvideo data is to be saved, then the process proceeds to step 72 toinitiate a new parallel process utilizing the write video streamsubroutine as illustrated in instance 1 in FIG. 8 . Additional inputdata from the recording device (step 74) can be saved with the raw videodata.

If it was determined in step 70 that the raw video data is not to besaved, then process proceeds to step 76 to determine if while the videoinput stream is open, and if it is open then the process proceeds tostep 76 to determine if a special effect command has been entered by theuser (step 82). The special effect command can be entered in thisprocess by way of the interface. If the user entered a special effectcommand, then step 84 is initiated to apply a special effect subroutine,as best illustrated in FIG. 9 . Additional input data from the recordingdevice (step 86) can be included with the application of special effectsin step 84.

If the user has not entered a request for a special effect in step 82,such as a change in video speed rate, then step 88 is initialized whichapplies other commands, such as input data from the recording device(step 90) and/or input processed video and audio data with specialeffects (step 92). Step 88 can include other information from step 84.

If the video input stream is determined to be closed in step 76, thenthe process proceeds stops or ends (step 94).

If necessary, step 78 can initiate a new parallel process utilizing thewrite video stream subroutine as illustrated in instance 2 in FIG. 8 .Additional processed video and audio data (step 80) can be saved withthe video data from step 78. The new parallel process of step 78 can beinitiated separately and independently from steps 84 and/or 88. Afterstep 78 the process proceeds back to step 76.

This process can write the raw video stream using the write video streamsubroutine after the raw video data stream has been either processedusing apply special effect subroutine or has retained the raw video datastream.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the write video stream subroutine is describewhich provides the process to write/save/record the video data stream toone or more internal memory, to one or more removable memory incommunication with the electronic device, to one or more externaldevices, and/or to upload to one or more cloud devices or accounts.

The present technology process determines in sequence which device ordevices is the video data stream to be written to, and if the user hasappropriate permission for each of the steps associated with the writevideo stream subroutine. If the user does have the appropriatepermission to write to that particular device or devices, then theprocess writes the video data stream to that particular device ordevices in accordance with any user preferences.

This subroutine starts (step 104) upon initiation by a command from theprocess in FIG. 7 . This subroutine then proceeds to obtain user'spreferences and permissions (step 102) from the process in FIG. 7 or adatabase (steps 104 and 106). After step 102, this subroutine acquiresthe raw video data stream from the camera as an input (step 108). Theraw video data stream can be audio/video stream from the electronicdevice, the camera and/or the microphone, as per step 110 and/oraudio/video stream from the device's RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory, as per step 112.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 114 of thissubroutine is initiated which determines if the user has permission towrite to internal memory? If the user does have the appropriatepermission and if the user preferences allows for a write/copy action tointernal memory (step 116), then a new process is started at step 118which writes the video data stream to the internal memory.

If the user does not have permission to write to the internal memoryfrom step 114, or if the user preferences in step 116 do not allow thewrite/copy action in step 116, or after starting the process in step118, then this subroutine continues to determine if the user haspermission to write to removable memory (step 120). If the user doeshave the appropriate permission and if the user preferences allows for awrite/copy action to removable memory (step 122), then a new process isstarted at step 124 which writes the video data stream to the removablememory.

If the user does not have permission to write to the removable memoryfrom step 120, or if the user preferences in step 122 does not allowsuch an action, or after starting the process in step 124, then thissubroutine continues to determine if the user has permission to write toexternal devices (step 126). If the user does have the appropriatepermission and if the user preferences allows for a write/copy action toexternal devices (step 128) is requested, then a new process is startedat step 130, which writes the video data stream to the external devices.

If the user does not have permission to write to the external devicesfrom step 126, or if the user preferences in step 128 do not allow thewrite/copy action in step 128 does not allow such an action, or afterstarting the process in step 130 is completed, then this subroutinecontinues to determine if the user has permission to write to cloud(step 132). If the user does have the appropriate permission and if theuser preferences allows for a write/copy action to the cloud (step 134),then a new process is started at step 136 which writes the video datastream to the cloud.

If the user does not have permission to write to the cloud from step132, or if the user preferences from step 134 does not allow such anaction, or after starting the process in step 136, then this subroutinestops or ends (step 138).

Referring to FIG. 9 , the apply special effects subroutine is describedwhich determines if a special effects option has been requested and tothe specific operation of the special effects request. This subroutinestarts (step 140) upon initiation by a command from the process in FIG.7 . After starting, this subroutine acquires the raw video data streamfrom the camera as an input (step 142). The raw video data stream can beaudio/video stream from the electronic device, the camera and/or themicrophone, as per step 146.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 148 is initiated,which determines if the current speed is equal to the normal or nativespeed, such as but limited to Recording_fps is greater than thePlayback_fps. If the user has made a speed change request, then step 150initiates an advanced slow motion subroutine, as best illustrated inFIG. 12 . After the completion of step 150, this subroutine stops orends (step 168).

If the user has not made a speed change request such that the new speedis not set to normal, such as if the Recording_fps is not greater thanthe Playback_fps or if the Recording_fps is equal to the Playback_fps,then this subroutine proceeds to step 152 which determines if thecurrent speed is equal to the normal or native speed. If the user hasmade a speed change request or if user has set the speed back to normalfrom a previously modified speed setting, then this subroutine continuesto step 154 to write video stream to RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory buffer, as per FIG. 3A. After step 154 is completed, thesubroutine proceeds to step 164 to return video buffer (RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory) to a calling function, which canbe as step to determine if the video stream is open or this subroutinestops or ends (step 168).

If the user has not made a speed change request such that the new speedis not set to normal, this subroutine will then proceed to step 156,which determines if the speed change request is faster or slower thanthe normal speed of the raw video data stream. This can be accomplishedby determining if the current speed is greater than normal. If thecurrent speed is greater than the normal spend, then this subroutinewill initiate a speed up subroutine (step 158), as best illustrated inFIG. 10 . After the speed up subroutine is completed, this subroutinewill then initiate step 164 to return video buffer (RAM memory and/ornon-volatile long term memory) to the calling function.

If the requested current speed is not greater than the normal speed,then this subroutine continues to step 160 to determine if the currentspeed is to be less than normal. If the current speed is less than thenormal spend, then this subroutine will initiate a slowdown subroutine(step 162), as best illustrated in FIG. 13 . After the slowdownsubroutine is completed or if the current speed is not to be less thannormal, then this subroutine will initiate step 164 to return videobuffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory) to the callingfunction.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the speed up subroutine is described whichdetermines if a frame dropping option and/or other plugins are required.This subroutine starts (step 170) upon initiation by a command from theapply special effects subroutine (FIG. 9 , step 158). After starting,this subroutine acquires the raw video data stream from the cameraand/or from streamed input from a remote video feed as an input (step172). The raw video data stream can be audio/video stream from the localelectronic device including the camera and/or microphone, from a remotedevice including the camera and/or the microphone, or from otheraudio/video feeds, as per step 174.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 176 of thissubroutine is initiated which determines if the video data input streamfrom the camera is open. If it is not open then this subroutine proceedsto step 189, which stops or ends this subroutine.

If the input stream is open then this subroutine determines if framedropping is required (step 178), and if required then continues to step180 that initiates a frame dropping subroutine as best illustrated inFIG. 11 .

If frame dropping is not required from step 178 or after the framedropping subroutine of step 180 is completed, then this subroutineproceeds to step 181 to determine if the use of time compression orexpansion is requested, and if required then continues to step 182 thatinitiates a time compression and expansion subprocess as bestillustrated in FIG. 20 .

If frame time compression and/or expansion is not required from step 181or after the time compression and/or expansion subprocess of step 182 iscompleted, then this subroutine proceeds to step 183 to determine if theuse of variable FPS playback is requested, and if required thencontinues to step 184 that initiates a variable FPS playback subprocessas best illustrated in FIG. 21 .

If frame variable FPS playback is not required from step 183 or afterthe variable FPS playback subprocess of step 184 is completed, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 185 to determine if other plugins orapplications are requested.

In the case that other plugins or application is requested, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 186 to execute the other plugins orapplications and apply their functions to the raw video stream from step178 or modified video stream from any of steps 180, 182 and/or 184. Forexample, other plugins or applications can be, but not limited to,smoothing technology and the like. These other plugins or applicationscan be integrated with the present technology software application, orcan be remote from the present technology but accessible and operablewith present technology software application.

In the case the user does not request the use of other plugins orapplications from step 185 or after the other plugin process of step 186is completed, then this subroutine will continue to step 188 to returndata to a calling function that loops back to step 176 to determine ifthe video input stream is open. Step 188 can receive video/audio streamsfrom RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory (step 187).

It can be appreciated that this apply special effects subroutineincludes a looped subprocess including steps 178, 180, 185, 186 and 188until the input stream is determined to not be open in step 176.

With reference to FIG. 11 , the frame dropping subroutine is describedwhich determines if and which frames are dropped to simulate therequested fast motion video. An exemplary case for this subroutine canbe if the Record_fps is equal to the Playback_fps. This subroutinestarts (step 190) upon initiation by a command from the speed upsubroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the raw video datastream from the camera as an input (step 192). The raw video data streamcan be audio/video stream from the local electronic device including thecamera and/or microphone, from a remote device including the cameraand/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, as per step 194.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 196 of thissubroutine is initiated which determines if the video data input streamfrom the camera is open. If step 196 determines that the input stream isnot open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 198, which returns datato a calling function being step 180 in FIG. 10 . Step 198 can receivedata of the video/audio frames from RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory (step 200). After the step 198 is completed, then thissubroutine stops or ends (step 202).

While the input stream is open from step 196, this subroutine determinesif the speed equals 2 times faster than normal (step 204). If so thenstep 206 is initialized which will drop the next frame, as per FIG. 3B.After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 220 to write frame(s) tobuffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step220, this subroutine returns to step 196.

If the speed does not equal 2 times faster than normal (step 204), thenthis subroutine determines if the speed equals 3 times faster thannormal (step 208). If so then step 210 is initialized which will dropthe next 2 frames, as per FIG. 3C. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 220 and then returns to step 196.

If the speed does not equal 3 times faster than normal (step 208), thenthis subroutine determines if the speed equals 4 times faster thannormal (step 212). If so then step 214 is initialized which will dropthe next 3 frames. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 220 andthen returns to step 196.

If the speed does not equal 4 times faster than normal (step 212), thenthis subroutine will sequentially continue to determine if the speedequals “n” times faster than normal (step 216). If so then each “nth”step will initialize a drop the next (n−1) frames action (step 218).After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 220 and then returns tostep 196.

It can be appreciated that this frame dropping subroutine determines ifa frame should or should not be dropped on a frame-by-frame basis. Theresult is a modified video stream with specific frames removed tosimulate a fast motion video of predetermined speed. This modified videostream is then written/saved to memory in real time.

It can be appreciated that this frame dropping subroutine includes alooped subprocess including steps 204-220 until the input stream isdetermined to not be open in step 196.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the advanced slow motion subroutine is describedwhich determines if a frame adding option or other plugins are required.This subroutine starts (step 222) upon initiation by a command from theapply special effects subroutine. After starting, this subroutineacquires the raw video data stream from the camera as an input (step224). The raw video data stream can be audio/video stream from the localelectronic device including the camera and/or microphone, from a remotedevice including the camera and/or the microphone, or from otheraudio/video feeds, as per step 246.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 248 of thissubroutine is initiated which determines if the video data input streamfrom the camera is open. If step 248 determines that the input stream isnot open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 270, which stops thissubroutine.

While the input stream is open from step 248, this subroutine determinesif frame adding is required (step 250), and if required then continuesto step 252 that initiates a frame adding subroutine, as bestillustrated in FIG. 13 .

If frame adding is not required from step 250 or after the frame addingsubroutine from step 252 is completed, then this subroutine proceeds tostep 254 to determine if an increase in frames rate recording speed isrequired. If so, then this subroutine continues to step 256, whichinitiates a variable frame rate subroutine or an increase frame ratesubroutine, as best illustrated in FIG. 14 .

If increase in frames rate recording speed is not required from step 254or after the variable frame rate subroutine from step 256 is completed,then this subroutine proceeds to step 258 to determine if a constanthigh frames rate recording speed is to be used. If so, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 260, which initiates a constant high framerate subroutine, as best illustrated in FIG. 15 .

If frame constant high frames rate recording speed is not required fromstep 258 or after the constant high frames rate recording speedsubroutine of step 260 is completed, then this subroutine proceeds tostep 261 to determine if the use of time compression or expansion isrequested, and if required then continues to step 262 that initiates atime compression and expansion subprocess as best illustrated in FIG. 20.

If frame time compression and/or expansion is not required from step 261or after the time compression and/or expansion subprocess of step 262 iscompleted, then this subroutine proceeds to step 263 to determine if theuse of variable FPS playback is requested, and if required thencontinues to step 264 that initiates a variable FPS playback subprocessas best illustrated in FIG. 22 .

If frame variable FPS playback is not required from step 263 or afterthe variable FPS playback subprocess of step 264 is completed, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 265 to determine if other special effectsenhancement is requested. In the case that other special effectsenhancement is requested, then this subroutine proceeds to step 267,which can execute the other special effects subroutine and apply theirfunctions to the raw or modified video stream. This other specialeffects subroutine can be integrated with the present technologysoftware application, or can be remote from the present technology butaccessible and operable with present technology software application.

In the case the user does not request the use of other special effectsenhancement from step 265 or after the other special effects subroutinefrom step 267 is completed, then this subroutine will continue to step266 to return data to a calling function that loops back to step 248 tothe determine if the video input stream is open. It can be appreciatedthat other processed audio/video data can be part of the data returnedto the calling function, as per step 268.

It can be appreciated that this advanced slow motion subroutine includesa looped subprocess including steps 250-266 until the input stream isdetermined to not be open in step 248.

With reference to FIG. 13 , the frame adding subroutine associated withthe slowdown subroutine of FIG. 12 is described which determines if andwhich frames are added to simulate the requested slow motion video. Thissubroutine assumes that recording fps=playback fps. This subroutinestarts (step 272) upon initiation by a command from the slowdownsubroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the raw video datastream from the camera as an input (step 274). The raw video data streamcan be audio/video stream from the local electronic device including thecamera and/or microphone, from a remote device including the cameraand/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, as per step 276.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 274 of thissubroutine is initiated which determines if the video data input streamfrom the camera is open. If step 278 determines that the input stream isnot open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 298, which returns datato a calling function being step 252 in FIG. 12 . Step 298 can receivedata of the video/audio frames from RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory (step 300). After step 298 is completed, then thissubroutine stops or ends (step 302).

While the input stream is open from step 278, this subroutine determinesthe type of frame adding to utilize in step 280, either simple framecopying (step 281) or a more CPU intensive frame blending (step 282). Ifthe user has selected frame copying, then the process proceeds to step281 and the algorithm and its description are unchanged. However, if theuser selected “Frame Blending” and their hardware supports it, then theprocess proceeds to step 282 and the algorithm can include new oradditional steps.

It can be appreciated that if frame copying was selected during step 280then for each of the speed “checks”, logically, the process will proceedalong the left algorithm path. It can be further appreciated that ifframe blending was selected during step 280 then for each of the speed“checks”, logically, the process will proceed along the right algorithmpath.

The subroutine continues to determine if the speed equals 2 times slowerthan normal (step 283). If so, for the frame copying path, then step 284is initialized which will copy the frame 1 time for a total of 2 of theidentical frames, as per FIG. 3D. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 296 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatilelong term memory). After step 296, this subroutine returns to step 278.For the frame blending path, then step 285 is initialized which willblend the current frame with the next frame for a total of 1 new“blended” frame, as per FIG. 3F. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 296.

If the speed does not equal 2 times slower than normal (step 283), thenthis subroutine determines if the speed equals 3 times slower thannormal (step 286). If so, for the frame copying path, then step 287 isinitialized which will copy the frame 2 times for a total of 3 of theidentical frames, as per FIG. 3E. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 296 and then returns to step 278. For the frame blending path,then step 288 is initialized which will blend the current frame with thenext frame for a total of 2 new “blended” frames, as per FIG. 3G. Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 296.

If the speed does not equal 3 times slower than normal (step 286), thenthis subroutine determines if the speed equals 4 times slower thannormal (step 289). If so, for the frame copying path, then step 290 isinitialized which will copy the frame 3 times for a total of 4 of theidentical frames. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 296 andthen returns to step 278. For the frame blending path, then step 291 isinitialized which will blend the current frame with the next frame for atotal of 3 new “blended” frames. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 296.

If the speed does not equal 4 times slower than normal (step 289), thenthis subroutine will continue to determine if the speed equals “n” timesslower than normal (step 292). If so, for the frame copying path, theneach “nth” step will copy the frame (n−1) times for a total of “n” ofthe identical frames. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 296and then returns to step 278. For the frame blending path, then step 295is initialized which will blend the current frame with the next framefor a total of (n−1) new “blended” frames. After which, this subroutineproceeds to step 296.

It can be appreciated that this frame adding subroutine includes alooped subprocess including steps 280-296 until the input stream isdetermined to not be open in step 278.

With reference to FIG. 14 , an example of the variable high recordingfps subroutine (120 FPS) associated with the variable frame ratesubroutine of FIG. 12 is described. This variable frame rate subroutinecan be utilized for simulating slow motion, such as but limited to, slowmotion range=recording speed/playback fps=120 fps/30 fps=4.

This subroutine starts (step 304) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 306). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the electronic device, thecamera and/or the microphone, as per step 308.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 310 of thissubroutine is initiated to set the device's recording frame rate, forexample to Recording_Frame_Rate=120 fps. After which, step 312 sets thedevice's playback frame rate, for example to Playback_Frame_Rate=30 fps.

Step 314 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 314 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 332,which returns data to a calling function being step 256 in FIG. 12 .Step 332 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 334). After step 332 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 336).

While the input stream is open from step 314, this subroutine determinesif the recording speed equals “−4×” (step 316), which can be a slowmotion range of 4. If so then step 318 is initialized which sets therecording frame rate to 120 fps. After which, this subroutine proceedsto step 330 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatilelong term memory). After step 330, this subroutine returns to step 314.

If the recording speed does not equal “−4×” (step 316), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−3×” (step 320). Ifso then step 322 is initialized which sets the recording frame rate to90 fps. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 330 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 330, this subroutine returns to step 314.

If the recording speed does not equal “−3×” (step 320), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−2×” (step 324). Ifso then step 326 is initialized which sets the recording frame rate to60 fps. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 330 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 330, this subroutine returns to step 314.

If the recording speed does not equal “−2×” (step 324), then thissubroutine will set the recording frame rate to 30 fps (step 328), whichcan be a recording speed equal to or less than “normal”. After which,this subroutine proceeds to step 330 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAMmemory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 330, thissubroutine returns to step 314.

It can be appreciated that this variable high recording fps subroutineincludes a looped subprocess including steps 316-330 until the inputstream is determined to not be open in step 314.

With reference to FIG. 15 , an example of the constant frame rate slowmotion subroutine associated with the constant high frame ratesubroutine of FIG. 12 is described. This constant frame rate slow motionsubroutine can be utilized for simulating slow motion.

This subroutine starts (step 340) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 342). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the local electronic deviceincluding the camera and/or microphone, from a remote device includingthe camera and/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, asper step 346.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 348 of thissubroutine is initiated which gets the video stream's recording framerates (recording fps), and then continues to step 350 that gets thevideo stream's playback frame rates (playback fps).

With the recording and playback frame rates acquired, this subroutinethen determines if the recording_fps=playback_fps*2 (step 352). If so,then it proceeds to step 354 to initiate a constant high frame ratesubroutine at 60 fps, as best illustrated in FIG. 16 . After which, thissubroutine stops or ends (step 368).

If is not found that the recording_fps=playback_fps*2, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 356 to determine if therecording_fps=playback_fps*4. If so, then it proceeds to step 358 toinitiate a constant high frame rate subroutine at 120 fps, as bestillustrated in FIG. 17 . After which, this subroutine stops or ends(step 368).

If is not found that the recording_fps=playback_fps*4, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 360 to determine if therecording_fps=playback_fps*8. If so, then it proceeds to step 362 toinitiate a constant high frame rate subroutine at 240 fps, as bestillustrated in FIG. 18 . After which, this subroutine stops or ends(step 368).

If is not found that the recording_fps=playback_fps*8, then thissubroutine proceeds to step 364, which is generic for all other casesand initiates a constant high frame rate subroutine at higher fps. Afterwhich, this subroutine stops or ends (step 368).

With reference to FIG. 16 , an example of the constant high recordingfps subroutine (60 FPS) associated with the constant high frame ratesubroutine of FIG. 15 is described. This constant high frame ratesubroutine can be utilized for simulating slow motion, such as butlimited to, slow motion range=recording speed/playback fps=60 fps/30fps=2. “Slow motion range” is defined as the multiple factor that a slowmotion effect can be created with the record and playback fps settingssuch that the algorithm does not have to use “frame adding” of any type.

This subroutine starts (step 370) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 372). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the local electronic deviceincluding the camera and/or microphone, from a remote device includingthe camera and/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, asper step 374.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 376 of thissubroutine is initiated which set the device's recording frame rate, forexample to Recording_Frame_Rate=60 fps. After which, step 378 sets thedevice's playback frame rate, for example to Playback_Frame_Rate=30 fps.

Step 380 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 380 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 398,which returns data to a calling function being step 354 in FIG. 15 .Step 398 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 400). After step 398 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 402).

While the input stream is open from step 380, this subroutine determinesif the recording speed equals “−4×” (step 382). If so then step 384 isinitialized which copies each frame in the stream 2 times for a total 3identical frames as per FIG. 3E or blended frames as per FIG. 3G. Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 396 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 396, thissubroutine returns to step 380.

If the recording speed does not equal “−4×” (step 382), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−3×” (step 386). Ifso then step 388 is initialized which copies each frame in the stream 1time for a total 2 identical frames as per FIG. 3D or blended frames asper FIG. 3F. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 396 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 396, this subroutine returns to step 380.

If the recording speed does not equal “−3×” (step 386), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−2×” (step 390). Ifso then step 392 is initialized which passes thru an unchanged videostream. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 396 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 396, this subroutine returns to step 380.

If the recording speed does not equal “−2×” (step 390), then thissubroutine will drop 1 of 2 frames (1/2) (step 394) for a recordingspeed equal to “normal”. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step396 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory). After step 396, this subroutine returns to step 380.

It can be appreciated that this constant high recording fps subroutine(60 FPS) includes a looped subprocess including steps 382-396 until theinput stream is determined to not be open in step 380.

With reference to FIG. 17 , an example of the constant high recordingfps subroutine (120 FPS) associated with the constant high frame ratesubroutine of FIG. 15 is described. This constant high frame ratesubroutine can be utilized for simulating slow motion, such as butlimited to, slow motion range=recording speed/playback fps=120 fps/30fps=4.

This subroutine starts (step 404) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 406). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the local electronic deviceincluding the camera and/or microphone, from a remote device includingthe camera and/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, asper step 408.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 410 of thissubroutine is initiated which sets the device's recording frame rate,for example to Recording_Frame_Rate=120 fps. After which, step 412 setsthe device's playback frame rate, for example to Playback_Frame_Rate=30fps.

Step 414 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 414 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 448,which returns data to a calling function being step 358 in FIG. 15 .Step 448 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 450). After step 448 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 452).

While the input stream is open from step 414, this subroutine determinesif the recording speed equals “−8×” (step 416). If so then step 418 isinitialized which copies the frame 4 times for a total 5 identicalframes or blended frames. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step446 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory). After step 446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−8×” (step 416), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−7×” (step 420). Ifso then step 422 is initialized which copies the frame 3 times for atotal 4 identical frames or blended frames. After which, this subroutineproceeds to step 446 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/ornon-volatile long term memory). After step 446, this subroutine returnsto step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−7×” (step 420), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−6×” (step 424). Ifso then step 426 is initialized which copies the frame 2 times for atotal 3 identical frames as per FIG. 3E or blended frames as per FIG.3G. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 446 to write frame(s)to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−6×” (step 424), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−5×” (step 428). Ifso then step 430 is initialized copies the frame 1 time for a total 2identical frames as per FIG. 3D or blended frames as per FIG. 3F. Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 446 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 446, thissubroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−5×” (step 428), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−4×” (step 432). Ifso then step 434 is initialized which passes thru an unchanged videostream. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 446 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−4×” (step 432), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−3×” (step 436). Ifso then step 438 is initialized which drops 1 of 4 frames (1/4) (step438). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 446 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−3×” (step 436), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−2×” (step 440). Ifso then step 442 is initialized which drops 2 of 4 frames (2/4) (step442). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 446 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

If the recording speed does not equal “−2×” (step 440), then thissubroutine will drop 3 of 4 frames (3/4) (step 444) for a recordingspeed equal to “normal”. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step446 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory). After step 446, this subroutine returns to step 414.

It can be appreciated that this constant high recording fps subroutine(120 FPS) includes a looped subprocess including steps 416-446 until theinput stream is determined to not be open in step 414.

With reference to FIG. 18 , an example of the constant high recordingfps subroutine (240 FPS) associated with the constant high frame ratesubroutine of FIG. 15 is described. This constant high frame ratesubroutine can be utilized for simulating slow motion, such as butlimited to, slow motion range=recording speed/playback fps=240 fps/30fps=8.

This subroutine starts (step 454) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 456). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the local electronic deviceincluding the camera and/or microphone, from a remote device includingthe camera and/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, asper step 458.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 460 of thissubroutine is initiated which set the device's recording frame rate, forexample to Recording_Frame_Rate=240 fps. After which, step 462 sets thedevice's playback frame rate, for example to Playback_Frame_Rate=30 fps.

Step 464 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 464 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 498,which returns data to a calling function being step 362 in FIG. 15 .Step 498 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 500). After step 498 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 502).

While the input stream is open from step 464, this subroutine determinesif the recording speed equals “−8×” (step 466). If so then step 468 isinitialized which passes thru an unchanged video stream. After which,this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAMmemory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 496, thissubroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−8×” (step 466), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−7×” (step 470). Ifso then step 472 is initialized which drops 1 frame out of every 8frames (1/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−7×” (step 470), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−6×” (step 474). Ifso then step 476 is initialized which drops 1 frame out of every 4frames (2/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−6×” (step 474), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−5×” (step 478). Ifso then step 480 is initialized which drops 3 frame out of every 8frames (3/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−5×” (step 478), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−4×” (step 482). Ifso then step 484 is initialized which drops 1 frame out of every 2frames (4/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−4×” (step 482), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−3×” (step 486). Ifso then step 488 is initialized which drops 5 frame out of every 8frames (5/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−3×” (step 486), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−2×” (step 490). Ifso then step 492 is initialized which drops 3 frame out of every 4frames (6/8). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to writeframe(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory).After step 496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

If the recording speed does not equal “−2×” (step 490), then thissubroutine will drop 7 frame out of every 8 frames (7/8) (step 494).After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 496 to write frame(s) tobuffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step496, this subroutine returns to step 464.

It can be appreciated that this constant high recording fps subroutine(240 FPS) includes a looped subprocess including steps 466-496 until theinput stream is determined to not be open in step 464.

With reference to FIG. 19 , an example of an extreme slow motion atconstant high recording fps subroutine (240 FPS) associated with theconstant high frame rate subroutine of FIG. 15 is described. Thisconstant high frame rate subroutine can be utilized for simulatingextreme slow motion, such as but limited to, slow motion range of −8× to−128× speed. Constant High Recording FPS with Frame Adding Subroutine ofFIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary flow chart algorithm for thecombination of high frames per second recording rate, “normal” playbackframes per seconds, and frame adding to boost the slow motion specialeffect. This subroutine further illustrates speeds that are >=−8× andperfect multiples of 2, with speeds slower than −8× being bestillustrated in FIG. 18 .

This subroutine starts (step 510) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 512). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the electronic device, thecamera and/or the microphone, as per step 514.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 516 of thissubroutine is initiated which set the device's recording frame rate, forexample to Recording Frame Rate=240 fps. After which, step 518 sets thedevice's playback frame rate, for example to Playback Frame Rate=30 fps.

Step 520 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 520 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 544,which returns data to a calling function being step 358 in FIG. 15 .Step 544 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 546). After step 544 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 548).

While the input stream is open from step 520, this subroutine determinesif the recording speed equals “−8×” (step 522). If so then step 524 isinitialized which passes thru an unaltered/unchanged video stream. Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 542 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 542, thissubroutine returns to step 520.

If the recording speed does not equal “−8×” (step 522), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−16×” (step 526).If so then step 528 is initialized which copies each frame 1 times for atotal of 2 identical frames as per FIG. 3D or blended frames as per FIG.3F. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 542 to write frame(s)to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step542, this subroutine returns to step 520.

If the recording speed does not equal “−16×” (step 526), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−32×” (step 530).If so then step 532 is initialized which copies each frame 2 times for atotal of 3 identical frames as per FIG. 3E or blended frames as per FIG.3G. After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 542 to write frame(s)to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step542, this subroutine returns to step 520.

If the recording speed does not equal “−32×” (step 530), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−64×” (step 534).If so then step 536 is initialized which copies each frame 3 times for atotal of 4 identical frames or blended frames. After which, thissubroutine proceeds to step 542 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 542, this subroutinereturns to step 520.

If the recording speed does not equal “−64×” (step 534), then thissubroutine determines if the recording speed equals “−128×” (step 538).If so then step 540 is initialized which copies each frame 4 times for atotal of 5 identical frames or blended frames. After which, thissubroutine proceeds to step 542 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 542, this subroutinereturns to step 520.

It can be appreciated that this constant high recording fps subroutine(240 FPS) includes a looped subprocess including steps 520-542 until theinput stream is determined to not be open in step 520.

With reference to FIG. 20 , an example of a segment time compression andexpansion subroutine is illustrated and will be described, whichprovides a flow chart algorithm for slow motion and fast motion byspeeding up or slowing down the playback time during video processingafter the recording has stopped. Frame adding/dropping can be performedin the time compression/expansion algorithm to simulate the slow motionspecial effect.

Video files that are create with this algorithm/subroutine can be playednormally in all video players and requires no metadata. This is inalternative to other video files created in the present technology.

This subroutine starts (step 550) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the camera as an input (step 552). The raw videodata stream can be audio/video stream from the local electronic deviceincluding the camera and/or microphone, from a remote device includingthe camera and/or the microphone, or from other audio/video feeds, asper step 554.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 556 of thissubroutine is initiated which set the device's recording FPS. Afterwhich, step 558 sets the playback FPS to less than or equal to (<=) therecording FPS.

Step 560 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 560 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 576.Step 576 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 578). After step 576 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 580).

While the input stream is open from step 560, this subroutine determinesif the speed is less than “normal” (step 562). If so then step 564 isinitialized which sets video segment fps to equal the recording fpsdivided by the speed (Segment FPS=Record_FPS/Speed). After which, thissubroutine proceeds to step 574 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 574, this subroutinereturns to step 560.

If the speed is not less than “normal” (step 562), then this subroutinedetermines if the speed equals “normal” (step 566). If so then step 568is initialized which sets video segment fps to equal the recording fps(Segment FPS=Record_FPS). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step574 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile longterm memory). After step 574, this subroutine returns to step 560.

If the recording speed does not equal “normal” (step 566), then thissubroutine determines if the speed is greater than “normal” (step 570).If so then step 572 is initialized which sets video segment fps to equalthe recording fps times the speed (Segment FPS=Record_FPS*Speed). Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 574 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 574, thissubroutine returns to step 560.

It can be appreciated that this segment time compression and expansionsubroutine includes a looped subprocess including steps 560-574 untilthe input stream is determined to not be open in step 560.

An example of the segment time compression and expansion subroutine isbest illustrated in FIG. 21 , which illustrates the results of thealgorithm in FIG. 20 . The top bar represents the video segments 582 inseconds per video segment in a continuous recording. The recording videosegments 582, in seconds, are process by the segment time compressionand expansion subroutine. The segments 582 are created when the user/AIchanges the speed variable. The time special effects are applied to theraw video segment, and written into the processed video stream RAM,where each segment is either compressed, expanded or unchanged. Theresultant playback video segments 584 are then provided in seconds pervideo segment corresponding to the recording segments time in seconds.

With reference to FIG. 22 , an example of a variable playback speedrecord subroutine is illustrated and will be described, which provides aflow chart algorithm for slow motion and fast motion by speeding up orslowing down the playback frame rate while video recording is inprogress. This algorithm can produce a normal video with the fast/slowmotion commands embedded in the video's metadata. The metadata is dataembedded in the video file that does not show up in the video recording.

This subroutine starts (step 590) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine in FIG. 12 (step 264). After starting, thissubroutine acquires the raw video data stream from the camera as aninput (step 592). The raw video data stream can be audio/video streamfrom the local electronic device including the camera and/or microphone,from a remote device including the camera and/or the microphone, or fromother audio/video feeds, as per step 594.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 596 of thissubroutine is initiated which set the device's recording FPS. Afterwhich, step 598 sets the playback FPS to less than or equal to (<=) therecording FPS.

Step 600 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 600 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 616.Step 616 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 618). After step 616 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 620).

While the input stream is open from step 600, this subroutine determinesif the speed is less than “normal” (step 602). If so then step 604 isinitialized which sets the segment playback fps to equal the recordingfps divided by the speed for that video section (SegmentFPS=Record_FPS/Speed). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 614to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long termmemory). After step 614, this subroutine returns to step 600.

If the speed is not less than “normal” (step 602), then this subroutinedetermines if the speed equals “normal” (step 606). If so then step 608is initialized which sets the segment playback fps to equal therecording fps for that video section (Segment FPS=Record FPS). Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 614 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 614, thissubroutine returns to step 600.

If the recording speed does not equal “normal” (step 606), then thissubroutine determines if the speed is greater than “normal” (step 610).If so then step 612 is initialized which sets the segment playback fpsto equal the recording fps times by the speed for that video section(Segment FPS=Record_FPS*Speed). After which, this subroutine proceeds tostep 614 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatilelong term memory). After step 614, this subroutine returns to step 600.

It can be appreciated that this segment time compression and expansionsubroutine includes a looped subprocess including steps 600-614 untilthe input stream is determined to not be open in step 600.

With reference to FIG. 23 , an example of a variable playback speedplayback subroutine is illustrated and will be described, which providesa flow chart algorithm for playing a video file with slow motion andfast motion special effects by speeding up or slowing down the playbackframe rate while video playback is in progress. An application employingthe algorithm in FIG. 23 is required to play a video produced by thealgorithm in FIGS. 20 and 21 . This application must be capable ofdecoding the information in the metadata and/or an accompanying “videoproject file” and applying the speed up and slowdown commands to theplayback frame rate while the video is playing. A video project containsthe video file plus an accompanying file that has the special effectscommands to be executed, that a custom player can decode and apply inreal-time playback.

If the video is played with an incompatible player, then the speed upand slowdown special effects commands in the metadata are ignored andthe video plays continuously in the same speed.

This subroutine starts (step 622) upon initiation by a command from theslowdown subroutine. After starting, this subroutine acquires the rawvideo data stream from the video project file residing in device'smemory as an input (step 624). The raw video data stream can beaudio/video stream in the video project file from the electronic device,or remote video project files, as per step 626.

After acquisition of the raw video data stream, step 628 of thissubroutine is initiated which gets the video's metadata, record FPS,playback FPS and variable playback log. After which, step 630 extractsthe playback speed (Speed) for each section of the video with the timespecial effects applied to the section from FIG. 20 .

Step 632 of this subroutine is initiated which determines if the videodata input stream from the camera is open. If step 632 determines thatthe input stream is not open, then this subroutine proceeds to step 648.Step 648 can receive data of the video/audio frames from RAM memoryand/or non-volatile long term memory (step 650). After step 648 iscompleted, then this subroutine stops or ends (step 652).

While the input stream is open from step 632, this subroutine determinesif the speed is less than “normal” (step 634). If so then step 636 isinitialized which sets the segment playback fps to equal the recordingfps divided by the speed for that video section (SegmentFPS=Record_FPS/Speed). After which, this subroutine proceeds to step 646to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatile long termmemory). The subroutine then proceeds to step 647, which displays theAudio/Video feed from the RAM butter, and after which continues to step632.

If the speed is not less than “normal” (step 634), then this subroutinedetermines if the speed equals “normal” (step 638). If so then step 340is initialized which sets the segment playback fps to equal therecording fps for that video section (Segment FPS=Record_FPS). Afterwhich, this subroutine proceeds to step 646 to write frame(s) to buffer(RAM memory and/or non-volatile long term memory). After step 646, thissubroutine returns to step 632.

If the recording speed does not equal “normal” (step 638), then thissubroutine determines if the speed is greater than “normal” (step 642).If so then step 644 is initialized which sets the segment playback fpsto equal the recording fps times by the speed for that video section(Segment FPS=Record_FPS*Speed). After which, this subroutine proceeds tostep 646 to write frame(s) to buffer (RAM memory and/or non-volatilelong term memory). After step 646, this subroutine continues to step 647to display the audio/video (A/V) feed from the RAM buffer, and thenreturns to step 632.

It can be appreciated that this segment time compression and expansionsubroutine includes a looped subprocess including steps 632-647 untilthe input stream is determined to not be open in step 632.

A possible method of using the present technology is illustrated in FIG.24 . A user can launch an application software (App) on a device capableof running the App, utilizing a user interface of the presenttechnology. The App can open in an image composition screen, which canbe as a default setting. Favorite or predetermined settings canoptionally be selectable by the user. Device settings are applied andthe device is in a ready state, while optionally still in the imagecomposition screen.

The user can the start recording, utilizing the device's camera, aremote camera or a remote video stream, by touching or activating a“Record” icon associated with the App or user interface. Optionally, theuser can touch and hold the Record icon or button continuously tocontinue recording. One aspect can be that the icon or a buttonassociated with the icon can be animated to indicate a live recording isactive.

While the recording is in progress, the user can enter special effectcommands being to zoom in or zoom out. The video being displayed by thedevice is configured or configurable to show the zooming in or outspecial effect associated with the video in real time.

While the recording is in progress, the user can enter special effectcommands being to create slow motion and/or fast motion. One aspect isthat there is no difference in the speed of the display of the livevideo on the device.

The user can end recording by releasing or removing the touching of theRecord icon or button. After which, the App stops recording, displays a“Review” screen, completes processing the special effect, and providesan option to save or autosave the processed video.

After saving, the newly produced video can be viewed by the device or aremote device after the processing has been completed. The video canplay continuously and restart after ending. The App can provide a suiteof editing tools that can be utilized to further edit or modify the rawor processed video. Optionally, the video can be edited to fine tune theslow motion and fast motion effects, along with other custom designelements, and post the video. This process can be repeated until adesired video result is created.

The App completes processing any new elements in the video and play backto the user after each edit is completed. This process can be repeateduntil a desired video result is created.

After processing the video and/or any additional editing to the video iscomplete, the App can save a final video or edit. The App can save thefinal video to the device's internal memory, to an external memoryand/or to the cloud.

The App can further provide an option allowing the user to post thefinal video to social media platform. The App can upload the final videoonto additional platforms and/or clouds, and display the compositionscreen allowing the user to start recording a new video.

With reference to FIG. 25 , at least a portion of the interface 30 isdescribed. The interface 30 can be, but not limited to, a GUI interfacecapable of providing a screen for device optimized parameters orvariables. The GUI 30 can be configured or configurable to include arecording start/stop control 32 provided anywhere on the screen, and aspeed selection region 34 provided anywhere on the screen that canprovide a default or predefined frame rate speed that is used tomanipulate the frame in the raw video data from the camera 12. The speedselection region 34 can include a speed selection affordance or controlindicator 35 that can travel along the speed selection region 34 viacontrol by the user to indicate the current or selectable speed. The GUIinterface 30 can also include regions anywhere on the screen forcontrolling zoom 36, zoom and fast motion speed rate 38, and/or zoom andslow motion speed rate 40.

In some or all embodiments, a user can touch and/or hold the recordingstart/stop control 32 to initiate, stop or pause the recording functionof the camera. Additionally, a user can interact with the speedselection region 34 by touching the region with a finger or stylus-likedevice, and making a sliding motion along the region in any direction.The processing unit can be configured or configurable to interpret thissliding movement as a special effect input command. For example, slidingfrom a central area of the speed selection region 34 toward the rightcould change the speed rate from the native speed rate to 2×, 3×, 4×,“n”× the native speed rate, depending on how far right the slidingmotion travels on the speed selection region 34. Sliding from thecentral area of the speed selection region 34 toward the left couldchange the speed rate from the native speed rate to −2×, −3×, −4×, −“n”×the native speed rate, depending on how far left the sliding motiontravels on the speed selection region 34.

In some or all embodiments, a user could control the zoom function ofthe camera by making a vertical sliding motion from a lower region ofthe GUI toward an upper region. A user could further control acombination of zoom and speed rate by making a curving vertical slidingmotion from a lower region of the GUI toward an upper right or leftregion, depending if a zoom and fast motion or slow motion effect isdesired.

Alternatively, the GUI interface 30 can be configured or configurable toinclude areas, icons or windows where functions, attributes, operations,settings and/or characteristics of the camera and/or display can becontrolled. Examples of these functions, attributes, operations,settings and/or characteristics can be, but not limited to, flash, handsfree, timer, mute, selfie, broadcast, sharing, filters, media,stop/start recording, and the like. The GUI interface 30 can beconfigured or configurable to be used to preset a minimum, a maximum ora range of the speed rate of the raw video.

Still further and optionally, the GUI interface 30 can be configured orconfigurable to include areas, icons or windows providing editingoptions to the video data stream. The editing options can include, butnot limited to, adding text, adding drawings, adding sounds, facefilters, adding decorations, creating a video loop, adding a cover, andthe like.

The GUI interface 30 can be configured or configurable to include adisplay of the output video recording data, which can be the raw videodata and/or the modified video data, or the edited video data stream canbe displayed. It can be appreciated that the output video recording datadisplayed by the GUI interface 30 can be dynamically changing in realtime due to changes in the input. Thus, the present technology candisplay, in real time, a seamless transition between the raw video data,any number of the modified video data or subsets thereof, while thecamera acquires the video and while recording is in progress. Themodified video data can include any number of fast to slow motionsubsets, and these subsets can be in combination with subsets of the rawvideo data. The displaying of the raw video data and/or any number ofmodified video data is accomplished live or in real time as the camerais capturing images associated with the raw video data. It can beappreciated that the present technology renders the displayed outputvideo data as the camera captures the images and while the output videois written to memory. Consequently, allowing the user to move, pan,zoom, etc. the camera while still capturing the video and at the sametime applying and displaying any number of special effects to the rawvideo data.

In some or all embodiments, the user of the device implementing thepresent technology and GUI 30 is able to access operational functions ofthe present technology and/or device and/or camera and/or saved video byentering login credentials associated with a user account.

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of the GUI 30 of the presenttechnology utilized on an electronic device displaying an implementationof GUI of the present technology on a touch screen. FIG. 26 is anexemplary “Camera View” of the device employing the GUI 30 whilerecording in normal “1×” speed. In this normal speed setting, the rawvideo stream from the camera is not changed and displayed in real timein the GUI 30.

In some or all embodiments of the present technology, the screen shot orGUI 30 can include a number of icons or actuatable elements representingvarious functions or affordances that the user can select. Theseaffordances change icons as different “states” settings are selected foreach affordance by the user. Affordances utilizable in the presenttechnology or GUI 30 can be object's properties that show the possibleactions users can take with it, thereby suggesting how they may interactwith that object. Affordances can be deliberately constrained to enableonly the correct or desired actions when actuated. The affordancesutilized in the present technology can include cues to suggest actionsthat are possible by an interface element. The affordances utilizable inthe present technology or GUI 30 can be, but not limited to, anyactuatable element in the realm of icons, buttons, dropdown menus,actuatable regions, images, cursor actuatable elements, or touchdependent inputs. In some or all embodiments of the present technology,any of the affordances can be displayed, activated, manipulated,deactivated or hidden depending on a touch or touch release by the useron the display, which can be a touch sensitive screen or pad.

These affordances can be, but not limited to: a “Flash” affordance 700,which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of thedevice to select a flash or light of the device to be on, off orautomatically activated depending on light levels detected by orinputted into the device implementing the present technology; a “HandsFree” affordance 702, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture),enables the user of the device to control aspects of the presenttechnology utilizing gestures on the device, remote control units,speech recognition, and/or a preprogrammed sequence or scheme so thatthe user can initiate continuously recording without requiring the userto constantly touch with the device (A “Hands-On” mode means the usermust touch the record button continuously to continue recording. Oncethe user releases the record button, recording stops); a “Timer”affordance 704, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enablesthe user of the device to start and/or stop recording at a predeterminedtime(s) of day and/or for a predetermined time duration(s); a “Mute”affordance 706, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enablesthe user of the device to mute or deactivate a microphone associatedwith the device and/or camera; a “Selfie” or “Rear” affordance 708,which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of thedevice to switch to a rearward facing or secondary camera associatedwith the device implementing the present technology; a “Setting”affordance 710, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enablesthe user of the device to control operational settings of the GUI,device and/or camera; a “Go Live” affordance 712, which when activated(e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the device to transmit thevideo feed from the present technology to a remote device or server; a“Friend” affordance 714, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture),enables the user of the device to search and/or invite friends orcontacts to make a social connection; a “Media” affordance 716, whichwhen activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), opens a media folder thatenables the user of the device to open and load videos from a foldercreated in memory of the device or a remote device or a cloud storage; a“Face Filters” affordance 718, which when activated (e.g. via a tapgesture), enables the user of the device to initiate a subprocess or athird-party application that applies filtering with “Augmented Reality”(AR) functions to the video; a “Scene Filters” affordance 720, whichwhen activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the deviceto initiate a subprocess or a third-party application that appliesfiltering functions to the video; and/or an “Upgrades” affordance 722,which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of thedevice to upgrade aspects of the present technology and/or memorystorage. It can be appreciated that additional icons, functions oraffordances can be implemented with or on the GUI. Any number of theicons or affordances 700-722 can be positioned or positionable inpredetermined or customizable locations in the GUI 30.

The recording start/stop control 32 can be provided as a button anywhereon the screen that allows the user to start, stop and/or pause therecording of video (e.g. via a tap or touch holding gesture), and thespeed selection region which can be a slide bar 34 can be providedanywhere on the screen as a slide bar with circles and/or other shapesand markers indicating selectable playback speeds of the portion of thevideo in playback. The slide bar 34 enables the user to control thespecial effects aspect of the video (e.g. via a sliding gesture). Thecurrent speed indicator in FIG. 26 is set at “1×” indicating the recordspeed is “normal”. This speed factor is inputted into step 82 of theprocess illustrated in FIG. 7 . In this example, since the user has notentered a special effects command (speed factor “1×” or “normal”), thenthe process would proceed to step 88, dependent in part of precedingsteps.

If the user activated any of the additional operation functions 700-722,then these inputs are determined by step 88, and the appropriate orcorresponding parallel processes are initiated in step 78. The recordbutton 32, the speed selection button 35, the speed selection region 34,the zoom level indicator/controller 748, and any icons can be activatedutilizing the touchscreen of the user device.

In FIG. 26 , the video feed displayed in a first region of the GUI 30 isa live video feed from the respective camera or a remote video feed. Anyediting or modified video stream from any initiated operation functions700-722 can be displayed in one or more additional regions of the GUI30. These display regions in the GUI 30 can be separate and independentregions, can in part overlap, or can be overlaid. In some or allimplementations, the video feed displayed in any of the regions may bepreviously recorded video footage. In other implementations, the videodisplayed in any of the regions of the GUI 30 can be, for example, anyposition on an event timeline associated with the displayed video feed.The timeline can be manipulated by the user by sliding a timeline barcausing the present technology to display the video feed from that pointin time forward in any of the regions.

Additionally, the raw video stream and/or editing video stream can besaved to an appropriate memory indicated by the user using the GUI 30.The memory or memory devices selected by the user using the GUI 30 isinputted into the write video stream subroutine in FIG. 8 and the videostream(s) are written or copied appropriately.

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Camera View” of theelectronic device employing the GUI 30 of the present technology whilerecording in slow motion “−2×” speed. In this slow motion speed setting,the frame adding subroutine is utilized and the apparent playback speedis twice as slow as a normal video. In the “Hands-Free” mode example,the user can tap a desired speed marker or slide an indicator to adesired speed marker located on the speed selection region 34. In“Hands-On” mode, the user can press and hold the “Record” button 32 andslide his finger to the left and the button follows directly under theuser's finger, so that the button is vertically above the “−2×”affordance label in this example. It can be appreciated that the speedselection affordance or indicator 35 can automatically move along thespeed selection region 34 to follow the movement of the “Record” button32.

In some or all embodiments, a window 724 can be implemented in the GUI30 that displays the raw video stream, while a majority of the GUI 30displays the slow motion video stream. In the alternative, it can beappreciated that the window 724 can display the slow motion videostream, while the majority of the GUI 30 displays the raw video stream.In another alternative, it can be appreciated that the window 724 candisplay the slow motion video stream or a still frame “cover” image ofthe video stream, while the majority of the GUI 30 displays the livevideo stream.

The current speed indicator in FIG. 27 is set at “−2×” indicating therecord speed is slow motion. This speed factor is inputted into step 82of the process illustrated in FIG. 7 . In this example, the user hasentered a special effects command (speed factor “−2×” or “slow motion”),then the process would proceed to step 84 wherein the process wouldinitiate the special effects subroutine in FIG. 9 .

If the user activated any of the additional operation functions 700-722,then these inputs are determined and the appropriate or correspondingparallel processes are initiated in step 78.

With the speed factor set to “−2×” using the GUI 30, the apply specialeffects subroutine is initiated which determines if the input from theGUI 30 represents a fast motion command (step 156 in FIG. 9 ) or a slowmotion command (step 160 in FIG. 9 ), or go to advanced slow motionsubroutine command (step 150 in FIG. 9 ). The process then initiates theappropriate subroutines corresponding to the input by the user on theslide bar 34. In this example, the frame adding subroutine illustratedin FIG. 13 would be initiated.

As the raw video stream is modified per the initiated subroutine, theGUI 30 displays in real time the resultant slow motion video via thedevice's display. The raw video stream can also be displayed via the GUI30, in conjunction with the resultant slow motion video. Additionally,the resultant slow motion video and/or the raw video stream can be savedto an appropriate memory indicated by the user using the GUI 30. Thememory or memory devices selected by the user using the GUI 30 isinputted into the write video stream subroutine in FIG. 8 and the videostream(s) are written or copied appropriately.

FIG. 28 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Camera View” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while recording in fastmotion “3×” speed. In this fast motion speed setting, the frame droppingsubroutine or time compression subroutines is utilized and the apparentplayback speed is three times as fast as a normal video without framedropping. In this example, a “Hands-Free” mode can be utilized where theuser can tap a desired speed marker or slide an indicator to a desiredspeed marker located on the speed selection region 34. In a “Hands-On”mode, the user can press and hold the record button 32 to recordcontinuously and slide his finger left and right to indicate desiredspeed and the speed affordance or indicator 35 located on the speedselection region 34 moves accordingly.

In some or all embodiments, the user can utilize a “One-Touch” mode tomanipulate the video's time. In this mode, recording operation can beinitiated by touching the screen, and taking a finger off the screenwill stop recording operation. Alternatively, recording is in operationwhile touching the screen. Exemplary operation can include: moving thetouching finger to the left of a middle of the screen will slow downvideo's time; moving the touching finger to the middle of screen returnsvideo's time to normal speed; moving the touching finger to the rightleft of the middle of the screen will speed up video's time; thetouching finger can quickly go from extreme left to extreme right (andvice-versa); moving the touching finger up will initiate a zoom in(telephoto) operation; moving the touching finger down will initiate azoom out (wide angle) operation; and adjusting other settings separatelylive, such as but not limited to, flash 700, mute 706, etc., with otherfinger while recording is in progress and while the touching finger ison the screen.

Still further, some or all embodiments can include a “Multiple Touch”mode that allows the user to individually select functions through userinterface whilst video is being recorded is shown in the user interface.

In some or all embodiments, the window 724 can be implemented in the GUI30 that displays the raw video stream, while the majority of the GUI 30displays the fast motion video stream. In the alternative, it can beappreciated that the window 724 can display the fast motion videostream, while the majority of the GUI 30 displays the raw video stream.In another alternative, it can be appreciated that the window 724 candisplay the fast motion video stream, while the majority of the GUI 30displays the live video stream. In another alternative, it can beappreciated that the window 724 can display the still frame “coverimage” for the fast motion video stream, while the majority of the GUI30 displays the live video stream.

The current speed indicator in FIG. 28 is set at “3×” indicating therecord speed is fast motion. This speed factor is inputted into step 82of the process illustrated in FIG. 7 . In this example, the user hasentered a special effects command (speed factor “3×” or “fast motion”),then the process would proceed to step 84 wherein the process wouldinitiate the special effects subroutine in FIG. 9 .

If the user activated any of the additional operation functions 700-722,then these inputs are determined and the appropriate or correspondingparallel processes are initiated in step 78.

With the speed factor set to “3×” using the GUI 30, the apply specialeffects subroutine is initiated which determines if record fps=playbackfps and if the input from the GUI 30 represents a fast motion command(step 156 in FIG. 9 ) or a slow motion command (step 160 in FIG. 9 ).The process then initiates the appropriate subroutines corresponding tothe input by the user on the slide bar 34. In this example, the speed upsubroutine illustrated in FIG. 10 would be initiated. If recordfps>playback fps and if the input from the GUI 30 represents a fastmotion command or a slow motion command, the process then initiates theappropriate subroutines corresponding to the input by the user on theslide bar 34. In this case, the speed up subroutine illustrated in FIG.12 , step 262 initiates subroutine illustrated in FIG. 20 .

As the raw video stream is modified per the initiated subroutine, theGUI 30 displays in real time the resultant fast motion video via thedevice's display. The raw video stream can also be displayed via the GUI30, in conjunction with the resultant slow motion video. Additionally,the resultant fast motion video and/or the raw video stream can be savedto an appropriate memory indicated by the user using the GUI 30. Thememory or memory devices selected by the user using the GUI 30 isinputted into the write video stream subroutine in FIG. 8 and the videostream(s) are written or copied appropriately.

FIG. 29 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the user hasstopped recording and the system displays a review screen for the userto review and edit the captured video. The GUI can highlight the iconsby removing the background image example.

In some or all embodiments, the review screen can contain a number oficons representing various functions or affordances that the user canselect. These icons, functions or affordances can be, but not limitedto: a “Display Cover” affordance 726 which displays the still frame“cover image” of the video, a “Text” affordance 728, which whenactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the device toadd text to the video; a “Draw” affordance 730, which when activated(e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the device to add images,clipart's and/or draw to the video; a “Sound” affordance 732, which whenactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the device toadd sound or music to the video; the “Face Filter” affordance 718; a“Decor” affordance 734, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture),enables the user of the device to add decorations such as stickers andemoji's to the video; a “Loop” affordance 736, which when activated(e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the device to create loopsequence of a selected segment of the video; a “Cover” affordance 738,which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of thedevice to use a frame or segment of the video as a cover page for thevideo a “Tag” affordance 739, which when (e.g. via a tap gesture),enables the user of the device to identify and tag other users who maynor may not appear in the video, and add “hashtags” for search engineoptimization; a Media” affordance 716 which when activated (e.g. via atap gesture), enables the user of the device to save the video to afolder on the device or in the cloud; a “Notes” affordance 740, whichwhen activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user of the deviceto save the video to a “Notes” folder or application associated with thedevice; a “Project” affordance, which when activated (e.g. via longpress “a touch and hold” gesture on the “Notes” affordance), enables theuser of the device to save the video to a “Projects” folder orapplication associated with the device for collaboration between otherusers; a “Chat” affordance 742, which when activated (e.g. via a tapgesture), enables the user of the device to send the video to a contactor friend; a “Feed” affordance 744, which when activated (e.g. via a tapgesture), enables the user of the device to post the video to the user'schannel's timeline in the social media aspect of the app, which can alsobe configured to post to the user's Web or RSS feed; and/or a “Story”affordance 746, which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enablesthe user of the device to post the video to the user's story or socialmedia page within the app or shared externally to other social mediaapps like Instagram®, Facebook®, Twitter®, etc. In some or allembodiments, when the Notes affordance 740 is pressed, a list of iconsor “Projects” folders appear, each representing an available project theuser can post the video to.

For example, the user can add decorations in the video, as well as setother properties for social media upload into the cloud. The user canelect to save the videos in the user's “Media” folder, save to theuser's “Notes” location, save to the user's “Projects” location, sendthe video to a “Chat” contact or group, post to their “Feed”, or post totheir “Story”. The system saves the story and takes appropriate action,utilizing any one of the subroutines and/or subprocesses associated withthe present technology.

FIG. 30 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of FIG. 29where the user has stopped recording and the system displays the reviewscreen for the user to review the captured video. It can be appreciatedthat multiple windows 724 can be utilized, each displaying a differentedited video stream or still frame cover image of the edited videostream.

FIG. 31 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa composition screen before recording has started. The speed range canbe displayed from “−3×” to “3×” normal speed, but additional speeds andranges can be utilized and displayed.

In some or all embodiments, the composition screen can include a zoomsetting region 748, which can control a zoom function of the camera(e.g. via a sliding and/or tap gesture or pinch-to-zoom). The zoomsetting region 748 can be a zoom slid bar having an indicator moveableby the user by way of touching and sliding the indicator to a desiredzoom operation. For example, the zoom slid bar 748 can be a verticallyorientated slide bar located on the left or right side of the GUI 30. Itcan be appreciated that any gesture interface can be utilized in placeof the exemplary slide bar. As the user slides his finger from top tobottom and back on the zoom slide bar 748, the “zoom factor” adjustszoom in and zoom out accordingly as illustrated. In another example,using the “pinch-to-zoom”, the user uses a multi-touch gesture toquickly zoom in and out, while the “zoom factor” adjusts up and downaccordingly.

The record button 32 can be located in a lower middle section of theGUI, with the “time speed” side bar 34 located therebelow. It isappreciated that the GUI 30 is not limited to specific locations of therecord button 32, speed slide bar 34 and any of the icons as illustratedherewith. The record button 32, speed slide bar 34 and any of the iconscan be located anywhere in the GUI, and can also be reconfigured, sizedand/or moved by the user. For example, the user can provide a touch andhold gesture to any of the affordances, which thus enables the user tomove or resize that selected affordance.

In FIG. 31 , the user has tapped the “1×” speed marker or slid theindicated to the “1×” speed marker, which means the raw video is beingdisplayed at normal speed with no special effects. It can be appreciatedthat the indicator “1×” can be substituted with other speed indicatorssuch as, but not limited to, “Normal”.

The user can selectively set the location of the record button 32 beforerecording commences, to set the zoom 748 and the speed factors 34 forthe device once recording starts. As the user move the moveable recordbutton, the zoom and speed factors move accordingly. As the user slideshis finger side to side on the speed slide bar 34, the “time speed”adjust faster or slower accordingly as illustrated.

FIG. 32 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa recording screen while recording has started. In this example, thezoom factor is set to zero “0”, and the speed factor is set to fastmotion “2×” being two times faster than normal speed.

In some or all embodiments, while the recording operation is active, thepresent technology can enlarge the record button 32 to be visible evenunderneath the user's finger. A radial progressive bar can be utilizedwith the record button 32 to indicate recording has started and/or atime duration of the recording. The record button 32 can be coloredinside to assist in viewing by the user, and it can be appreciated thatthe size, configuration and/or color of the record button 32 can beconfigurable by the user.

In the alternative, the record button 32 can be moved to a locationadjacent to the selected speed factor (e.g. via a touch holdinggesture). In this present example, above the highlighted “2×” in the“speed scale” 34. The record button 32 can be configurable to follow theuser's finger movements as long as the user is touching the screen.

The selected recording FPS, playback FPS and/or speed factor can bedisplayed in the GUI, as illustrated by the indicator “240 I—I—” and“Fast 2×” 750 in the center near the top of the GUI. The FPS and/orspeed factor indicator can be animated or blinking prominently to alertthe user of the FPS and/or recording speed. In another embodiment, theindicator 750 is the maximum time length for the video segment.

In some or all embodiments, the GUI 30 can also include “speedguidelines” 752 utilized and displayed vertically in dashed lines. Theguidelines 752 are configured or configurable to guide the user's fingeror pointing device to indicate when the user's touch point isapproaching and then crossing the boundary for speed change.

Upon the user sliding or tapping to the desired speed factor, theapplication program of the present technology initiates the appropriatesubroutine and/or necessary algorithm to create the fast or slow motionspecial effect associated with the selected speed factor received by theGUI.

FIG. 33 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa “Slow Motion Resolution” settings screen. In this example, the slowmotion resolution is the slow motion factor supported by hardware,without frame adding.

In some or all embodiments, the GUI 30 can include a scrollableselection 754 of multiple speed factor values. The selectable speedfactor values in scrollable selection 754 (e.g. via a slide gesture) arethe settings for the maximum video quality that the device supports. Theselected speed factor can be highlighted to indicated which speed factorselected.

FIG. 34 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysan alternative advanced “Slow Motion Resolution” settings screen. Inthis example, the GUI 30 can display and utilize multiple slide bars,each controlling a different aspect or operation (e.g. via a slidegesture). When the value of one of the slides is adjusted, thecorresponding values of the other slides change accordingly.

In some or all embodiments, the slide bars can be horizontally stackedor vertically spaced. The slide bars can be associated with a “VideoResolution” affordance 756, which when activated (e.g. via a slidegesture), enables the user to set a resolution size of the resultingvideo. The higher the resolution, the bigger the file, and the largerthe bandwidth required to serve the files. Revenue can be received bycharging users a fee relating to the desired resolution. With highervideo resolution, higher rates can be charged for hosting and bandwidthcosts.

Another slide bar can be associated with a “Max Slow Motion” affordance758, which when activated (e.g. via a slide gesture), enables the userto set the maximum slow motion speed factor. As Video Resolutionincreases, the Maximum Slow Motion Effect (Max SlowMo) decreases and theRecord Frames Per Second (Record FPS) decreases proportionally. PlaybackFrames Per Second (Playback FPS) is an independent variable and remainsunchanged.

Another slide bar can be associated with a “Record Frames Per Second”affordance 760, which when activated (e.g. via a slide gesture), enablesthe user to set the recording FPS. The record FPS is the rate of whichframes are captured by the camera. The higher the frame rate, the higherthe slow motion effect with respect to a constant Playback FPS. AsRecord FPS increases, Max SlowMo increases and Video Resolutiondecreases proportionally.

As Record FPS decreases, Max SlowMo decreases and Video Resolutionincreases proportionally. As the user adjust the Record FPS 758 higherand lower, the values for the Max SlowMo and Video Resolutionautomatically adjust accordingly. Playback Frames Per Second (PlaybackFPS) is unchanged. The user can manually override and adjust the VideoResolution and Max SlowMo to lower the maximum selected by the software.

Still another slide can be associated with a “Playback Frames PerSecond” affordance 762, which when activated (e.g. via a slide gesture),enables the user to set the playback FPS. The Playback FPS is the rateof which frames are played by the device. The higher the Playback FPS,the lower the slow motion effect with respect to a constant Record FPS.

The Playback FPS can be independent set without affecting eitherRecording Frames Per Second or Video Resolution.

As Playback FPS increases, Max SlowMo decreases proportionally.

As Playback FPS decreases, Max SlowMo increases proportionally.

As the user adjust the Playback FPS 762 higher and lower, the values forthe Max SlowMo automatically adjust accordingly. Record FPS and VideoResolution are unchanged.

As Video Resolution decreases, the Max SlowMo increases and the RecordFPS increases proportionally. Playback Frames Per Second (Playback FPS)is unchanged.

As the user adjust the Video Resolution 756 higher and lower, the valuesfor the Max SlowMo and Record FPS automatically adjust accordingly.Playback FPS is unchanged.

User can select to create the original footage in high resolution butupload a lower resolution video to save on bandwidth and storage costs.The user has the option to save the high resolution original video tothe local device, and/or upload to cloud for storage. Once uploaded,video files of high resolution can be resized into the proper format tooptimize speed and size for the viewing device.

The maximum slow motion effect (Max Slow Motion 758) is a ratio ofRecord FPS to Playback FPS. The maximum slow motion effect uses existingframes only to create the slow motion effect when played in “real time”given the Playback FPS. It does not use frame adding or other digitalenhancements or interpolated and extrapolated frames.

Max SlowMo is the maximum end of the range of usable slow motion effectthat is available for the user. The user may choose to use a smallerslow motion range that is less than the Max SlowMo value.Max SlowMo=Record FPS/Playback FPS

The user can set the Playback FPS 762 independently of all othervariables. In this example, keeping the Playback FPS constantillustrates the function of the feature.

As the Max SlowMo increases, Record FPS increases and Video Resolutiondecreases proportionally.

As the Max SlowMo decreases, Record FPS decreases and Video Resolutionincreases proportionally.

As the user adjust the Max SlowMo 758 higher and lower, the values forthe Record FPS and Video Resolution automatically adjust accordingly.Playback Frames Per Second (Playback FPS) is unchanged.

For example, recording fps=120, playback fps=30.

Maximum slow motion effect=4 times slower than normal speed.

The GUI 30 can further include an “Optimize” affordance 764, which whenactivated (e.g. via a slide gesture), enables the user to optimize thecamera and/or playback settings to maximize the best video quality thatthe device can deliver. The user can select to optimize for videoquality, file size, maximum slow motion effect, and combinationsthereof.

The values in the Optimize 764 operations can be the settings for themaximum video quality and minimum size that the device supports. Theseare the “limits” for the range of values that are available for the userto select from.

To assist in understanding the utilization of the GUI 30 implementing atleast in part some of the subroutines of the present technology, thefollowing examples are provided, assume the following device supportedrecording frame rates:

8K at 240 fps

4 k at 480 fps

2K at 960 fps

1080 at 1920 fps

The UI automatically selects the values from the sets of values based onoptimize routine selected. Optionally, the selected values areautomatically highlighted and aligned vertically (left, middle, right)side of the screen.

Example 1

User sets the following values:

Video Resolution=8K

Playback FPS=30

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects:

Max SlowMo=8×

Record FPS=240

Example 2

User sets the following values:

Video Resolution=4K.

Playback FPS=30

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects:

Max SlowMo=16 selected from set of selectable values {16×, 32×}

Record FPS=480 {240, 480}

While Video Resolution is “locked in” at 4K:

If user selects Record FPS=240 then Max SlowMo automatically sets to32×.

If user selects Record FPS=480 then Max SlowMo automatically sets to16×.

If user selects Max SlowMo=32×, then Record FPS automatically sets to240.

If user selects Max SlowMo=16×, then Record FPS automatically sets to480. User can manually override and set Record FPS to 240 to decreasefile size but with a 50% loss in frame resolution.

Example 3

User sets the following values:

Video Resolution=4K.

Playback FPS=30

Optimize for Size

The UI automatically selects:

Max SlowMo=32 selected from set of selectable values {16×, 32×}

Record FPS=240 {240, 480}

While Video Resolution is “locked in” at 4K:

If user selects Record FPS=480 then Max SlowMo automatically sets to16×.

If user selects Record FPS=240 then Max SlowMo automatically sets to32×.

If user selects Max SlowMo=16×, then Record FPS automatically sets to480.

If user selects Max SlowMo=32×, then Record FPS automatically sets to240. User can manually override and set Record FPS to 480 to increaseframe resolution but increase file size by 100% before compression.

Example 4

User sets the following values:

Max SlowMo=32×

Playback FPS=30

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects:

Video Resolution=2K {480, 720, 1080, 2 k}

Record FPS=240 {240, 480, 960}

Example 5

User sets the following values:

Max SlowMo=64×

Playback FPS=30

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects

Video Resolution=1080 {480, 720, 1080}

Record FPS=1920 {240, 480, 960, 1920}

Example 6: Continuing with Example 5

User sets the following values:

Playback FPS=60

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects

Max SlowMo=32×

Video Resolution=1080 {480, 720, 1080}

Record FPS=1920 {240, 480, 960, 1920}

Example 7: Continuing with Example 6

User sets the following values:

Playback FPS=120

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects

Max SlowMo=16×

Video Resolution=1080 {480, 720, 1080}

Record FPS=1920 {240, 480, 960, 1920}

Example 8: Continuing with Example 7

User sets the following values:

Playback FPS=240

Optimize for Quality

The UI automatically selects

Max SlowMo=8×

Video Resolution=1080 {480, 720, 1080}

Record FPS=1920 {240, 480, 960, 1920}

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysan alternative “Slow Motion Resolution” settings screen. In thisexample, the GUI 30 has all of the same features as the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 34 . The difference is in the presentation of thecontrols to the end user. All functions are accessible through bothembodiments.

In some or all embodiments, the UI automatically selects the values fromthe sets of values based on optimize routine selected. Optionally, theselected values are automatically highlighted and aligned in the samerow at the top, middle or bottom of the screen.

In this example in FIG. 35 , the GUI 30 can display and utilize multiplescrollable sections, with each being associated with “VideoResolutions”, “Max Slow Motion”, “Record FPS” and “Playback FPS”affordances. Each affordance can be activated by moving the scroll tothe desired value (e.g. via an up-down slide gesture). The slide barscan be horizontally stacked or vertically spaced. The scrollablesections can highlight the selected value, respectively.

FIG. 36 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa “Slow Motion Scale” screen. In some or all embodiments, the user canset custom settings for how the Slow Motion Scale control appears on theapp and it's programmatic behavior in response to the user's input (e.g.via a left-right slide gesture).

In this example, a slide bar or number line 766 represents the slowmotion factor levels available for the user. The range displayed is from“Normal” to “7×”. There can be a “>” symbol besides the last scalevalue, in this case“7×”, to represent that there are additional slowmotion multipliers available but not displayed. The user can then scrollthrough the available slow motion multipliers and select how much or howlittle to limit the range of slow motion factor while recording.

The user can pinch at the number line and include more of the range ofthe slow motion to include in the live recording screen.

The user can set the orientation of the button to move right or left onthe line 766 to control the speed. As exemplary illustrated, “Normal” ison the left and “Max” is on the right. The user would then slide his/herfinger on the recording control from left to right to increase the slowmotion factor.

A “Reverse” affordance 768 can be utilized and displayed on the GUI,which when activated (e.g. via a tap gesture), enables the user toreverse the display of the slide bar 766. If the user selects the“Reverse” option, then “Normal” would be on the right side, and “Max” ison the left. The user's motion is to slide from right to left on theline 766 to increase the slow motion factor.

FIG. 37 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysan alternative Slow Motion Scale screen. In this example, the GUI 30 hasall of the same features as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 36 . Thedifference is in the presentation of the slide bar or line 766 to theend user. In this example, the slide bar 766 is orientated in a verticalconfiguration along a left or right side of the GUI 30. All functionsare accessible through both embodiments. The user can set customsettings for how the Slow Motion Scale control appears on the app andit's programmatic behavior in response to the user's input.

In some or all embodiments, there can be a “A” symbol above the lastscale value, in this case“11×”, to represent that there are additionalslow motion multipliers available but not displayed. The user can thenscroll through the available slow motion multipliers and select how muchor how little to limit the range of slow motion factor while recording.

FIG. 38 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa “Camera View” or an “Editing View” screen. The GUI 30 can beconfigured or configurable to include a recording start/stop affordanceor control 32 provided anywhere on the screen, and a speed selectionregion 34 provided anywhere on the screen that can provide a default orpredefined frame rate speed that is used to manipulate the frame in theraw video data from the camera or from recorded video. The speedselection region 34 can include a speed rate/control affordance orindicator 35 that can travel along the speed selection region 34 viacontrol by the user to indicate the current or selectable speed. The GUIinterface 30 can also include regions anywhere on the screen forcontrolling zoom, zoom and fast motion speed rate, and/or zoom and slowmotion speed rate.

The GUI 30 can include vertically oriented time guidelines 770 thatextend vertically up from each of the speed rate indicators or the speedselection region 34 displayed on the GUI 30 or the display of the deviceutilizing the GUI. The speed rate indicators 34 can be, but not limitedto, −2×, −3×, −4×, −“n”×, 1×, 2×, 3×, 4× or “n”×. It can be appreciatedthat the time guidelines 770 can, in the alternative, extendhorizontally across a section of the GUI 30. The time guidelines 770 canbe displayed while in camera live one-touch record mode or in-appone-touch edit mode.

The time guidelines 770 can be utilized to assist a user in determiningwhich speed rate is currently be applied, which speed rate is next,which speed rate is nearest a finger touching the display, and/or as acomposition guide for assisting in placing scene elements within a photoand video frame. The time guidelines 770 can be a different color,brightness and/or line type or line style from each other, therebyproviding each speed rate a unique time guideline.

The GUI 30 can include a video display region 776, and one or moreaffordances configured or configurable to provide at least one inputreceivable and usable by the processing unit in operation of the presenttechnology. The affordances can be a speed rate affordance associatedwith changing the speed rate of the video data. The speed rateaffordances can be, but not limited to, associated with the recordingstart/stop affordance or control 32, the speed rate indicators 34,and/or the speed rate/control affordance 35. The GUI 30 or theprocessing unit of the present technology can determine if the input isassociated with changing a first or native speed rate of the video data,and if so to modify at least one frame in the video data to createmodified video data at a modified speed rate that is different to thefirst speed rate in real time.

It is difficult for the user to “eyeball” the distance their fingers arefrom the next speed rate indicator or setting as the user moves theirfinger left or right to engage the fast or slow motion one touch liverecording and editing features of the present technology. The user'sfinger may have a tendency to drift right or left as they zoom in andout.

Without the on-screen time guidelines 770, the user must rely solely ontheir judgement on the placement of the main elements on the scenery ofthe photograph or video.

In any of the embodiments of the GUI of the present technology, the usercan return to a previous screen or proceed to the next screen by asliding gesture across the screen in a left or right direction, or by atap gesture on an icon or affordance indicating the direction of screenprogression.

The time guidelines 770 can be a visual guide so the user knows how muchfurther is required to slide the finger or pointing device to engage thenext setting for fast and slow motion. The time guidelines 770 can alsoserve as a “track” for the user to slide the finger to zoom in and zoomout while recording a video.

The time guidelines 770 can always be on or displayed when the GUI 30 isoperated, as illustrated in FIG. 38 .

Referring to FIG. 39 , any of the time guidelines 770 can be activated,turned on, modified, displayed, deceived and/or turned off whenrecording starts, when a finger touches the display or a pointing deviceis activated, when the touching finger or pointing device is moved, whenthe speed rate affordance is moved, or when the speed rate/controlaffordance 35 is moved. It can be appreciated that the recordingstart/stop control 32 can be displayed anywhere in the GUI 30 at alocation where the finger makes contact with the screen or the pointdevice is activated, or can be always displayed. Still further, the timeguidelines 770 can include at least one selectable value selected by agesture on the display of the electronic device. The gesture can be anyone or any combination of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, asliding, a pinch, and a touch holding and sliding

In this exemplary operation as shown in FIG. 39 , the present technologyis recording at 1 x or native speed rate. The user touches the screenwith a finger, thereby displaying the recording start/stop control 32 atthe point of finger contact. The time guideline 770 nearest the fingercontact point is determined by the process of the present technology andits time guideline 770 is activated or displayed.

To engage the fast and slow motion operations of the present technology,the user can slides a finger or pointing device to the right and left,with the nearest time guideline 770 being displayed, thereby providingthe user with a visual indication of how much further is required toslide the finger or pointing device to engage the next speed ratesetting for fast and slow motion. The use of the time guidelines 770 canprevent the user from unwanted changing of the speed rate, or canconfirm the changing of the speed rate.

In an exemplary operation, if the present technology is currentlyrecorded at a slow motion speed rate of −2×, and the user slides afinger or moves a pointing device toward the left nearing the −3× speedrate indicator, then the time guideline 770 associated with the −3×speed rate will be displayed. The displaying of the −3× time guideline770 can be displayed when the finger is at a predetermined distance tothe −3× speed rate indicator and/or a predetermined distance away fromthe −2× speed rate indicator.

In the alternative, the GUI 30 or the processing unit can intuitivelyextend an imaginary line or region vertically from the speed rateindicator or the speed rate affordance on the slide bar 34. The timeguideline 770 can be automatically displayed when a touch or pointingdevice input 32 is at predetermined distance form this imaginary linewhen the touch input 32 is anywhere on the display.

The user may slide the speed rate/control affordance 35 left or rightalong the slide bar or to a location associated with one of the speedrate indicators 34 to change the speed rate setting, or the user cantouch the screen to activate the speed rate affordance 32 and then slidethe finger and consequently the speed rate affordance 32 left or rightto change the speed rat setting. During any of these instances, when thespeed rate affordance is at a predetermined distance from one or more ofthe speed indicators alone or associated with the slide bar 34, or animaginary line extending vertically from the speed indicators, then atime guideline 770 can be displayed for that speed indicator.

The present technology can calculate this value by determining the knowncoordinates of the speed rate indicators displayed in the GUI 30,determining the point of contact of the finger or point of activation bythe pointing device, and then determining a linear or radial distancebetween the speed rate indicator coordinates and the finger contactpoint or the pointing device activation point. The process can thendetermine which speed rate indicator is nearest the finger contact pointor the pointing device activation point, and then display that timeguideline 770. The process may convert the speed rate coordinates, thefinger contact point and/or the pointing device activation point into acommon vector format.

Referring to FIG. 40 , once a new speed rate has been set or activated,the GUI 30 can display the current speed rate with a current speedindicator 772 that appears on the screen. The current speed indicator772 can be flashing, changing color, different color from the guidelines770 and/or speed rate indicators, animated or any other characteristicto gain the user's attention. The current speed indicator 772 can bedisplayed anywhere on the screen or in the GUI 30, and can change to thespeed rate currently being used. The current speed indicator 772 canalso display a speed rate nearest the speed rate affordance 32, 35 beingmoved by a finger or pointing device, thereby providing additionalvisual indication or warning of a potential change in speed rate.

The time guideline 770 can further assist in the visual indication ofhow far the finger or pointing device is from the next time guideline770, speed rate indicator or speed setting. This can be accomplished bydisplaying a distance between the nearest time guideline 770 and thespeed rate affordance 32, 35. Another way to accomplish this is to haveany one of the nearest time guideline 770 or the speed rate affordance32, 35 flash at a rate dependent on the distance between the nearesttime guideline 770 and the speed rate affordance 32, 35.

Referring to FIG. 41 , a finger time guideline 774 can be displayed onthe screen or the GUI 30. The finger time guideline 774 can extendvertically up from the finger contact point, the pointing deviceactivation point, or the speed rate affordance 32, 35. The finger timeguideline 774 can be a different characteristic, shape, color,brightness and/or line type or line style to that of the time guidelines770.

The finger time guideline 774 can further assist in the visualindication of how far the finger or pointing device is from the nexttime guideline 770, speed rate indicator or speed setting. This can beaccomplished by displaying a distance between the nearest time guideline770 and the finger time guideline 774. Another way to accomplish this isto have any one of the nearest time guideline 770 or the finger timeguideline 774 flash at a rate dependent on the distance between thenearest time guideline 770 and the finger time guideline 774.

Referring to FIG. 42 , in the alternative and exemplary, the timesetting slide bar 34 can be vertically orientated, alone or incombination with a horizontally orientated slide bar 34. The user mayslide a finger vertically along the vertically oriented slide bar 34 tochange the time speed setting of the video being played. While utilizingthe vertical slide bar 34, one or more horizontal time guidelines 770can be displayed on the screen or the GUI 30.

It can be appreciated that the speed rate affordance 32 can be utilizedin a vertical direction to control the speed rate setting, alone or incombination with the vertical slide bar 34. Still further, the fingertime guideline 774 can extend horizontally from the finger contactpoint, the pointing device activation point, or the speed rateaffordance 32, 35. The horizontal finger time guideline 774 can be adifferent characteristic, shape, color, brightness and/or line type orline style to that of the horizontal time guidelines 770.

Multiple horizontal time guidelines 770 can be displayed, alone or incombination with vertical time guidelines, to assist in positioning orcentering the object in the video display region 776 or in afield-of-view.

It can be appreciated that the time guidelines 770 can be orientated atany angle on the GUI 30, and can even be arcuate to combine the changingof a time speed rate and a zoom function.

As illustrated in FIG. 43 , in the alternative and exemplary, one ormore zoom affordances can be associated, linked or utilized with one ormore of the time guidelines 770. The zoom affordances can be usable incontrolling or determining a change in zoom factor of the video data.

In this situation, the user can touch or point at any one of the timeguidelines 770, and then slide the finger or move the pointing device upor down along the time guideline 770 to control a zoom-in or zoom-outfunction. During this up or down movement, if the finger or pointingdevice drifts off the time guideline 770 toward an adjacent new timespeed setting region, then that time guideline associated with theadjacent time speed setting region can be activated. Thus, alerting theuser that a change in time speed rate may be occur if the user keepsdrifting toward that newly activated time guideline.

To avoid the time guidelines 770 and/or finger guideline 774 frombecoming an annoyance or distraction, these guidelines can be configuredto disappear after a predetermined time of being first displayed, whenthe finger contact point or pointing device activation point has moved apredetermined distance from along a horizontal or vertical axis, or ifthe finger or pointing device provides multiple sequential contacts oractivations. Therefore, in a possible embodiment of the invention, thesystem further comprises processing means, e.g., a controller, foractivating and deactivating the time guidelines 770 and/or fingerguideline 774 on the GUI 30 or display of the electronic devicedepending on a threshold of the distance to or from a speed rateindicator or setting 34.

Any or all of the time guidelines 770 can be activated automaticallywhen a user raises the camera or display from a horizontal to a verticalposition, when the GUI 30 is in operation. Furthermore, any or all ofthe time guidelines 770 can be automatically rotated so they aresubstantially in a vertical orientation when the electronic devicedisplaying the GUI 30 is rotated between a portrait and landscapeorientation.

In some or all embodiments, the time guidelines 770 can be in anygeometric shape, such as but not limited to, a square, a rectangle, anoval, a circle, a triangle or polygon. The guidelines 770 can beconfigured according to a parameter, which is configurable by a user.The parameter can be any one or any combination of color, pattern,length, thickness, flashing, brightness, shape, orientation, and displaytime.

The guidelines 770 and/or its geometric shape can be configured orconfigurable to represent a field-of-view of the camera associated withthe GUI 30, thereby providing the user with a specific reference areafor positioning the object being recorded or edited. In the exemplary,at least part of two or more guidelines 770 can be displayed in thevideo display region 776 of the GUI 30 in a spaced apart relationship,thereby assisting the user in centering an objected being recorded orviewed within a field-of-view of a camera or the video feed.

The guidelines 770 and/or the finger guideline 774 can be implemented orimplementable in or with an electronic device, a video system, acomputer system, a video interface system, a graphical user interface, anon-transitory computer readable medium and/or a method utilizing any ofthe above.

In the exemplary, some features of the guidelines 770, the current speedindicator 772 and/or the finger guideline 774 can be:

in a utilization for composition aide;

to display how close the software application of the present technologyis to switching to the next time speed rate;

in a utilization as a track to guide user while zooming;

to display the current recording and/or playback speed indicatoron-screen while in one-touch recording mode;

to display the current recording and/or playback speed indicatoron-screen while in one-touch editing mode;

the user can “lock” the time speed rate while zooming to ensure noaccidental change in the time speed rate;

a wider device screen can display more time speed rate options with orwithout vertical bars; and/or

the electronic device in landscape mode can display more time speed rateoptions with or without vertical bars.

In some or all embodiments, the present technology can includeartificial intelligence (AI) to identify sections in the video that canbe compressed or expanded the appropriate amounts so that viewing theresulting video is more discernible or indiscernible to the viewer fromthe original video to a) meet the project requirements; and b)“emotioneering” effect in the appropriate content category.Emotioneering refers to a vast body of techniques which can create, fora player or participant, a breadth and depth of emotions in a game orother interactive experience, and which can immerse a game player orinteractive participant in a world or a role.

In some or all embodiments, the guidelines 770, the current speedindicator 772 and/or the finger guideline 774 can be displayed in 2-D or3-D, and/or can be implemented and viewed in augmented reality orvirtual reality mode.

In an exemplary Normal and/or 360 Live Record Mode, AI can in real-timescan and analyze the scene being recorded to make to higher accuracy ofautomatically adjusting the guidelines 770 in real time, moving themeither closer together or further apart, or even bending the distance sothat they are no longer parallel lines and may even intersect, dependingon the scene's likelihood for the user to use more or less of the fastor slow motion speeds. This operation may be useful in 3-D Modeand/or/with the 360 Mode.

In Normal and/or 360 Edit Mode, the AI can pre-scan and analyze apreviously recorded video to make to higher accuracy of automaticallyadjusting the guidelines 770 in real time, moving them either closertogether or further apart, or even bending the distance so that they areno longer parallel lines and may even intersect, depending on thescene's likelihood for the user to use more or less of the fast or slowmotion speeds. This operation may be useful in 3-D Mode and/or/with the360 Mode.

The present technology can incorporate augmented reality, which caninteract with the guidelines 770.

In some or all embodiments, the speed selection region 34 and/or thespeed rate/control affordance or indicator 35 can be an artifact of anoperating system utilizing the present technology that is displayed bydefault on certain electronic devices utilizing the operating system.

In some or all embodiments, the speed selection region 34 and/or thespeed rate/control affordance or indicator 35 may be omitted or thefunctionality may be different.

For example, when a camera of a 360 video pans closely around a turn oran object, the relatively large size on the screen would actuallydisplay recognizable people's faces, especially as video resolutionscontinues to get higher with no practical limit in sight.

The present technology can be implemented as a premium feature in amobile software application on the iOS and Android mobile platforms.Industry standard best practices software development operations, “DevOps”, can be deployed to implement further embodiments of the presenttechnology.

When in use, the guidelines 770 can appear as per the user setting forthe camera live record mode and in-app edit mode screens. The guidelines770 can be displayed in the screens while in camera live one-touchrecord mode or in-app one-touch edit mode.

The guidelines 770 can help the user as a composition guide for placingscene elements within the photo and video frame, like placement of themain subject in the center or using the rule of thirds and othercompositional standards.

FIG. 44 illustrates an exemplary embodiment “Screen Shot” of the deviceemploying the GUI 30 of the present technology while the system displaysa “Camera View” screen. The GUI 30 can be configured or configurable toinclude the recording start/stop affordance or control 32 providedanywhere on the screen, with a default position can be below the “1×”speed rate indicator. The speed selection region 34 can be providedanywhere on the screen for selecting a default or predefined frame ratespeed that is used to manipulate one or more frames in video data or atleast one image data. It can be appreciated that the video data can beobtained from the camera or from recorded video stored in the device orfrom a remote device. The speed rate/control affordance or indicator 35can travel along the speed selection region 34 via control by the userto indicate the current or selectable speed. The speed rate affordance35 can slide to different locations on the speed selection bar 34 toselect a speed rate of the video. Alternatively to or in combinationwith sliding the speed rate affordance 35, a user can finger touch orselect with a pointing device a location on the speed selection bar 34to select a speed rate of the video. The GUI interface 30 can alsoinclude regions anywhere on the screen for controlling zoom, zoom andfast motion speed rate, and/or zoom and slow motion speed rate.

The GUI 30 can include a region adjacent to and/or below the speedselection bar 34 configured or configurable for receiving a vertical orupward finger swipe motion of a user's finger, as illustrated by thedashed arrowed line. Upon providing an upward finger swiping motion, aselectable options bar 782 can appear from a lower portion of the GUI 30below the speed selection bar 34. The selectable options bar 782 canhave a curved or arched configuration with at least one option indicatorfor providing a location on the selectable options bar 782 for selectingan option process 784 from a plurality of appearable option processes. Auser can transition through the option processes 784 by, but not limitedto, swiping left or right over the selectable options bar 782.

In the exemplary, FIG. 44 illustrates a default or first time viewing ofthe option processes 784 upon the selectable options bar 782 appearinginto view. A first of the option processes 784 in the selected positioncan be a “FAST/SLOW” option process 784, with the next “FAST MOTION”option process 784 being viewable to the right of the selected“FAST/SLOW” option process 784. Accordingly, the next option process 784either ahead of and/or behind the selected option process 784 can bedisplayed and viewable to the user.

One or more selectable affordances, such as but not limited to, the“Setting” affordance 710, the “Flash” affordance 700, the “Timer”affordance 704 or a “Hide” affordance 780 can be located in, but notlimited to, an upper or top region of the GUI 30 or any other area ofthe GUI. The “Hide” affordance 780, when activated (e.g. via a tapgesture), can hide or display some or all of the affordances displayedon the GUI 30.

Once an option process 784 has been selected, the user can then initiatea video recording option, an image capture option or access stored videoor images by operating the recording start/stop control 32.

A one touch taping gesture or touch holding gesture of the recordingstart/stop control 32 can initiate a recording operation, and asubsequent one touch taping gesture or removing of the touch holdinggesture can stop the recording operation. Alternatively, the recordingoperation can automatically stop after a predetermined time period.During the recording operation, the time guidelines 770 can bedisplayed, and the user can slide the recording start/stop control 32 tothe left or right to initiate a speed rate change operation utilizingthe processes of the present technology. While touching and holding therecording start/stop control 32, the user can slide the recordingstart/stop control 32 vertically to change a zoom aspect of the video orimage being displayed in the display region 776 while simultaneouslysliding left or right to change a speed rate of a video.

For example and as illustrated in FIG. 45 , the time guidelines 770 canvertically extend from all the displayed motion speed indicators otherthan the normal/raw speed rate “1×”, thereby representing availablespeed rate changes. The time guidelines 770 can be in an inactive or anactive state. The inactive time guidelines 770 can be, but not limitedto, dimmer, thinner and/or a different color to that of an active timeguideline 771. It can be appreciated that the time guidelines can beturned on (visible) or off (invisible) by the user, and the inactiveand/or active characteristics of the time guidelines can be adjusted.Further, the time guidelines 770 can be on (visible) or off (invisible)before recording starts, and if off then turned on automatically by thepresent technology.

In the exemplary, the user can slide the recording start/stop control 32toward the left toward the “−4×” speed rate indicator, and during itstravel the inactive time guideline 770 nearest or at a predetermineddistance from the recording start/stop control 32 can change to anactive time guideline 771. The active time guideline 771 can have acharacteristic that is different to the remaining inactive timeguidelines 770. The characteristic of the active time guideline 771 thatcan change can be, but not limited to, visibility, color, line style,flashing, brightness and/or line weight.

For example, but not limiting, prior to moving the recording start/stopcontrol 32, all the time guidelines 770 can be the same color. If theuser slides the recording start/stop control 32 from the “1×” positionto the “−4×” position, the time guideline 770 associated with the “−2×”speed rate indicator can change to an active time guideline 771 having adifferent color (e.g. to red) to that of the remaining inactive timeguidelines 770. Then upon further sliding of the recording start/stopcontrol 32, the time guideline associated with the “−3×” speed rateindicator can change to an active time guideline 771 while the timeguideline associated with the “−2×” speed rate indicator change back toan inactive time guide line 770. This process can proceed during thetravel of the recording start/stop control 32 until the user stopsmoving the recording start/stop control 32.

Alternatively, all the inactive time guidelines can be invisible andthen visible when they become active. It can be appreciated that morethan one time guideline can be active at the same time. Further, theuser can choose the number of time guidelines displayed or displayableon the screen. The number of time guidelines available to the user canbe limited by the user's subscription level permission. Optionally, anarea below the speed rate bar 34 can be void of any affordances duringthe recording operation.

The present technology can further display additional speed rateindicators when the recording start/stop control 32 is moved to the faror extreme left or right of the screen. This motion can result inshifting the speed rate indicators 34 to the left or right to displaymore speed rate options. For example, moving or sliding the recordingstart/stop control 32 to the far or extreme right of the screen past thedisplayed “5×” fast motion speed indicator can result in shifting thefast motion speed rate indicators to the left allowing for the displayof additional fast motion speed rate indicators (e.g. 6×, 7×, 8×, 9×,etc.).

Further in the exemplary, once the recording operation is stopped by theuser, any speed rate changes or other effect changes can beautomatically implemented in real time or near real time utilizing theprocesses of the present technology, and displayed in an “Editing View”or “Review Screen”, as illustrated in FIG. 46 . If a video was capturedor retrieved then the video can be played in a continuous loop manner.The GUI 30 can display an “X” affordance for closing the “Editing View”or “Review Screen” and returning back to the “Camera View” screen.Further affordances that can be displayed on the GUI 30 can be, but notlimited to, a “Sound” affordance 732 activateable (e.g. via a tapgesture) for muting sound, a “Hide” affordance 780 activateable (e.g.via a tap gesture) for hiding or displaying some or all of theaffordances displayed on the GUI 30, a “Save” affordance 786activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for saving or accessing videos orimages with the device or a remote device, a “Bitmoji” affordance 788activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for adding or removing a personalemoji to the video or image, a “Trim” affordance 790 activateable (e.g.via a tap gesture) for initiating a video trimming operation, a“TimeSpeed” affordance 792 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) forinitiating a “TimeSpeed” operation, a “Crop” affordance 794 activateable(e.g. via a tap gesture) for initiating a cropping operation, a “Boomi”affordance 736 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for initiating aBoomi operation, a “Play/Pause” affordance 796 activateable (e.g. via atap gesture) for starting or stopping the playing of the video, and oneor more social media affordances 716. Each social media affordance 716can be activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for opening a respectivesocial media platform or app such as, but not limited to, Facebook®,YouTube®, Snapchat®, Twitter®, Instagram® or TikTok®. Activating any oneof the social media affordances 716 can initiate its respective app orprogram, allowing the use to upload a video or image from the GUI 30 tothat social media platform.

It can be appreciated that while the video is playing in the videodisplay region 776, a time playing bar 798 can travel or slide acrossthe GUI 30 indicating playing of the video and its corresponding timelocation. A tap or touch holding gesture can be applied to the timeplaying bar 798 to fast forward, rewind, pause and/or jump to a specifictime of the video. The GUI 30 can further display a time stamp 800 ofthe video, which can include the present time of the playing video andthe total time of the video.

Upon activation of the “Trim” affordance 790, a “Trim” editing mode orscreen can be displayed on the GUI 30. In this “Trim” editing mode orscreen, the frames of the video or images can be displayed, with atrimming line overlaid over the frames or images. A “Split” affordancecan be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for cutting awayframes from the video, and a “Merge” affordance can be displayed andactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for merging frames. A cancel or close“X” affordance can be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture)for exiting the “Trim” editing mode or screen, and a “Save” affordancecan be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for savingchanges to the video data.

Upon activation of the “Crop” affordance 794, a “Crop” editing mode orscreen can be displayed on the GUI 30. In this “Crop” editing mode orscreen, a cropping window can be displayed including the video, one ormore frames of the video or an image. The corners of the cropping windowcan be moved to adjust the size of the cropping window, and thus aviewable object in the video, one or more frames of the video or theimage. The position, orientation and/or rotation of the viewable objectin cropping in the window can be adjusted. A “Cancel” affordance can bedisplayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to exit the “Crop”editing mode or screen, a mirror affordance can be displayed andactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for mirroring the viewable object inthe cropping window, a rotation affordance can be displayed andactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for rotating the viewable object inthe cropping window, an undue affordance can be displayed and activated(e.g. via a tap gesture) for undoing a previous change, an orientationaffordance can be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) fordisplaying multiple selectable orientation options (e.g. Original, 1:1Square, 2:3, 3:4, etc.), and a down affordance can be displayed andactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for accepting any changes andreturning to the previous “Reviewing Screen”.

Upon activation of the “TimeSpeed” affordance 792, a “TimeSpeed” editingmode or screen can be displayed on the GUI 30, as illustrated in FIG. 47. In this “TimeSpeed” editing mode or screen, a return “<” affordancecan be displayed and activated to exit the “TimeSpeed” editing mode orscreen, and an apply “checkmark” affordance can be displayed to accepteffect changes. The video display region 776 can include the time stamp800, the play/pause affordance, the speaker affordance, a video/imageframe hide “v” affordance 802, and one or more video/image frames 804.Activation of the video/image frame hide affordance 802 (e.g. via a tapgesture) can hide or display the video/image frames 804.

The “TimeSpeed” editing mode or screen can further include a time/speedmanipulation region 806. This region 806 can include a time playing bar808 that can travel across the region 806 indicating playing of thevideo and its corresponding time location and frame location with thevideo/image frames 804. The time playing bar 808 can be moved to anyposition by a touching and holding gesture, resulting in the time of thevideo being displayed to correspond with the time location of the timeplaying bar 808.

An initial speed rate indicator 809 (e.g. “1×”) can be located at oneside of the region 806 and an ending speed rate indicator 813 (e.g.“1×”) being located at another end thereof, with a baseline 810connecting therebetween. The initial and ending speed rate indicators809, 813 can represent a normal or raw speed rate of the video. A usercan change a speed rate at any point in time of the video by tapping anarea above or below the baseline at specific time location or bytouching/holding a point on the baseline and sliding above or below thebaseline. This operation can result in displaying a new speed rateindicator 811, 811′ above or below the baseline 810 at that specifictime, with a new altered baseline 812, 812′ connecting the initial speedrate indicator 809 to the new speed rate indicator 811, 811′ and then toan additional new speed rate indicator or to the ending speed rateindicator 813. It can be appreciated that the new speed rate indicator811, 811′ and/or the altered baseline 812, 812′ can have acharacteristic (e.g. color, line type, line weight, etc.) different tothat of, but not limited to, the initial or ending speed rate indicators809, 813 and/or the baseline 810.

It can be further appreciated that the user could adjust the speed rateat time zero of the baseline 810 at the initial speed rate indicator 809thereby changing the initial speed rate at time zero to the new speedrate. Still further, it can be further appreciated that the user couldadjust the speed rate at the end time of the baseline 810 at the endingspeed rate indicator 813 thereby changing the ending speed rate at endtime to the new speed rate.

Horizontal time speed guidelines 814 can be displayed to represent theupper and lower speed rate limits (e.g. fast motion limits and slowmotion limits), or the time speed guidelines 814 can travel or move torepresent the present location of the new speed rate indicator 811,811′.

The “TimeSpeed” editing mode or screen can further display a “Chart”affordance 815 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for initiating anddisplaying the time/speed manipulation region 806 and a “Time”affordance 816 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for initiating anddisplaying a time line manipulation region including a horizontallymoving time indictor traveling on a time line.

Upon activation of the “Boomi” affordance 736, a “Boomi” editing mode orscreen can be displayed on the GUI 30, as illustrated in FIG. 48 . Inthis “Boomi” editing mode or screen, a return “<” affordance can bedisplayed to exit the “Boomi” editing mode or screen, and a “Done”affordance 828 can be displayed to accept effect changes and return to aprevious screen, the “Review Screen” or “Camera View”. The “Boomi”editing mode or screen can further include a playback speed selectoraffordance 818 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for bringing up adropdown menu with selectable speed rates for changing the speed rate ofthe video or segment thereof, a loop affordance 820 activateable (e.g.via a tap gesture) for bringing up a dropdown menu with selectablenumber of loops for changing the number of loops or frames in the loopsof the video or segment thereof, a forward/reverse affordance 822activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for selecting a forward or reverseplaying of the loop of the video or segment thereof, a number of secondsaffordance 824 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for bringing up adropdown menu with selectable number of seconds or milliseconds forchanging the number of seconds for the loop, and an add “+” affordance826 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for adding or creating a Boomieffect to multiple video segments or loops.

The “Boomi” editing mode or screen can include the frames from video orstill images 804 in sequential order, with a traveling time playing bar808, and an adjustable loop frame or box 830. The loop box 830 cansurround the frames that are part of the loop, and size, length orconfiguration of the loop box 830 can be adjusted to remove from or addframe to the loop. Further, multiple loop boxes 830 can be displayed orutilized to represent multiple loops. The loop box 830 can have acharacteristic (e.g. color, line type, line weight, etc.) different tothat of, but not limited to, the time playing bar 808 or the frames 804.

In the “Boomi” editing/review mode or screen, the selected loop isplayed until it reaches the end of the loop and then it rewinds to thebeginning of the loop and begins to play again. This forward andrewind/reverse playing cycle repeats until stopped or paused by theuser.

In the exemplary, if the “Boomi” option process is utilized, then a“Boomi” subroutine can be initiated which utilizes a video stream ordata including multiple frames or images in sequence. The video streamcan be acquired from any of the previously described subroutines of thepresent technology, or the video stream altered by the “Boomi”subroutine can be provided to any of the previously describedsubroutines of the present technology. The user can utilize the “Boomi”subroutine to select specific frames in the video data, and changeeffects to those selected frames. The selected frames can then be playedin sequence in a forward and/or reverse direction, and repeated in aplay loop operation. The “Boomi” special effect whereby the video canplay forward to a predetermined point in the video, then plays the videoin reverse for a short duration (1-3 seconds), then plays forward again,and may or may not repeat. The “Boomi” special effect can include aForward/Forward special effect whereby the video can play forward to apredetermined point in the video, then skips back several seconds in thevideo, then plays forward again, and may or may not repeat. It can beappreciated that the frames in the video can be multiple or a burst ofimages/photos.

The “Boomi” special effect can be applied to videos in real-time whilerecording with a camera device, or optionally while editing the video inan accompanying video editor in the same device or in other supporteddevices or by a remote server. The resulting video from the “Boomi”special effect can contain segments where the video playback is normal,as well as segments that has the “Boomi” special effect. The part of thevideo that has the “Boomi” special effect can be part of a continuousstream of video. The user can quickly re-edit and reapply the “Boomi”special effect to the same portion or other portions of the video. Theuser can apply the “Boomi” special effect in multiple sections of thevideo in real time (live recording), near real time or to saved video.The user can customize the “Boomi” special effect to change, but notlimited to, the way the video plays, number of loops, number of seconds,and playback speed. It the user is using the “Boomi” special effectwhile recording in real time, the user can “mark” the location of thevideo to apply the “Boomi” special effect after recording has completed.The user can apply different special effects on each iteration of theloop in the “Boomi” special effect. The “Boomi” special effect can beapplied to 360 degree videos, and/or while user is using AugmentedReality. The “Boomi” special effect can support real time or near realtime fast and slow motion editing while recording.

It can be appreciated that the “Boomi” special effect or subroutine canbe implemented as a standalone method, system, application or program onthe same device or on a separate remote device.

In the exemplary, FIG. 49 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the“FAST/SLOW” option process to a “FAST MOTION” process, with the previous“FAST/SLOW” option process and a next “NORMAL” option process beingviewable to the left and right of the selected “FAST MOTION” optionprocess 784, respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784either ahead of and/or behind the selected option process 784 can bedisplayed and viewable to the user.

Upon selecting the “FAST MOTION” option process 784, the GUI 30 candisplay the “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screenbut with the slow motion speed indicators (−2×, −3×, −4×, −5×, −n^(th)×)omitted. Consequently, the normal/raw speed and fast motion speed rateindicators are displayed.

For example and as illustrated in FIG. 50 , the time guidelines 770 canvertically extend from all the displayed fast motion speed indicatorsother than the normal/raw speed rate “1×”, thereby representingavailable fast motion speed rate changes. The user can slide therecording start/stop control 32 toward the right toward the “4×” speedrate indicator, and during its travel, a characteristic of a timeguideline 771 nearest or at a predetermined distance from the recordingstart/stop control 32 can change so that it is different to theremaining time guidelines 770. The characteristic of the nearest orselected time guideline 771 that can change can be, but not limited to,color, line style and/or line weight. In the exemplary, prior to movingthe recording start/stop control 32, all the time guidelines 770 can bethe same color. If the user slides the recording start/stop control 32from the “1×” position to the “4×” position, the time guidelineassociated with the “2×” speed rate indicator can change to a differentcolor first. Then upon further sliding of the recording start/stopcontrol 32, the time guideline associated with the “3×” speed rateindicator can change color with the time guideline associated with the“2×” speed rate indicator changing back to its initial color. Thisprocess can proceed during the travel of the recording start/stopcontrol 32 until the user stops moving the recording start/stop control32.

In the exemplary, FIG. 51 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the “FASTMOTION” option process to a “NORMAL” process, with the previous “FASTMOTION” option process and a next “BOOMI” option process being viewableto the left and right of the selected “NORMAL” option process 784,respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784 either ahead ofand/or behind the selected option process 784 can be displayed andviewable to the user.

Upon selecting the “NORMAL” option process 784, the GUI 30 can displaythe “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screen but withthe speed selection region 34 and all speed rate/control affordances orindicators 35 omitted.

In the “Editing View” or “Review Screen” under the “NORMAL” operationprocess, any or all affordances 716, 732, 736, 780, 786, 788, 790, 792,794 can be displayed, provided to and utilized by the user for selectionvia the GUI 30.

In the exemplary, FIG. 52 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the “NORMAL”option process to a “BOOMI” process, with the previous “NORMAL” optionprocess and a next “SLIDESHOW” option process being viewable to the leftand right of the selected “BOOMI” option process 784, respectively.Accordingly, the next option process 784 either ahead of and/or behindthe selected option process 784 can be displayed and viewable to theuser.

Upon selecting the “BOOMI” option process 784, the GUI 30 can displaythe “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screen includingthe speed selection region 34 and all speed rate/control affordances orindicators 35. The recording start/stop control 32 can include an imageor icon representing that the “BOOMI” option process is selected and incurrent operation. All speed rate and time guideline operations can beprovided in the “Camera View” under the “BOOMI” operation.

As illustrated in FIG. 53 , in the “Editing View” or “Review Screen”under the “BOOMI” operation process, any or all affordances 716, 732,780, 786, 788, 790, 792, 794 can be displayed, provided to and utilizedby the user for selection via the GUI 30, except for the “Boomi”affordance since the user is in the “Boomi” option process.

Once the recording operation has stopped, the “Camera View” changes tothe “Editing View” or “Review Screen”, as illustrated in FIG. 48 ,thereby providing all “Boomi” operations to the user as previouslydescribed.

In the exemplary, FIG. 54 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the “BOOMI”option process to a “SLIDESHOW” process, with the previous “BOOMI”option process and a next “COLLAGE” option process being viewable to theleft and right of the selected “SLIDESHOW” option process 784,respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784 either ahead ofand/or behind the selected option process 784 can be displayed andviewable to the user.

When the “SLIDESHOW” option process 784 is in the selected position onthe selectable options bar 782, a next “>” affordance 831 can bedisplayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to proceed to the“Editing View” or “Review Screen” of the “SLIDESHOW” operation process,after a predetermined number of images have been captured by activating(e.g. via a tap gesture) the recording start/stop control 32.

Upon selecting the “SLIDESHOW” option process 784, the GUI 30 candisplay the “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screenincluding the speed selection region 34 and all speed rate/controlaffordances or indicators 35. The recording start/stop control 32 caninclude an image or icon representing that the “SLIDESHOW” optionprocess is selected and in current operation.

Under the “SLIDESHOW” option process, video data may alternatively notbe captured, with multiple images being captured for creating aslideshow effect. In “Camera View”, the recording start/stop control 32can be activated multiple times to capture multiple images, with eachimage being displayed in its own image window in sequential order. Aftera sufficient or predetermined number of images have been capture, thenext “>” affordance 831 can be activated to proceed to the “EditingView” or “Review Screen” of the “SLIDESHOW” operation process, asillustrated in FIG. 55 .

In the Editing View” or “Review Screen” of the “SLIDESHOW” operationprocess, all the images captured can be displayed in their own capturedimage window 844 in sequential order. Multiple slideshow image windows846 are provided, wherein each window 846 can be initially empty. A usercan select an image from the captured image window 844 and insert orprovided it to one or more of the slideshow image windows 846. Thisprocess can be repeated until the desired captured images 844 are placedin the desired slideshow image windows 846. Placing the captured images844 into a slideshow image window 846 can be accomplished by selecting(e.g. via a tap gesture) one or more captured images 844, therebyselecting them, and then selecting (e.g. via a tap gesture) the desiredslideshow image windows 846. Resulting in the selected slideshow imagewindows 846 now including in the selected captured images 844.Alternatively, the captured images 844 can be placed into a slideshowimage window 846 by selecting (e.g. via a touch and hold gesture) acaptured image 844, and then moving the selected captured image (e.g.via a touch, hold and sliding gesture) to the desired slideshow imagewindows 846.

The Editing View” or “Review Screen” of the “SLIDESHOW” operationprocess, can include the following, but not limited to, affordances forproviding effects to one or more of the images in the selected slideshowimage windows 846: the social media affordances 716, the “Bitmoji”affordance 788, an “Add Music” affordance 832 activateable (e.g. via atap gesture) for adding a music or sound track or file to the slideshow,a “Pic2Art” affordance 834 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) forchanging a characteristic (e.g. color, tone, shade, shadow effect, etc.)to any one of the images, the “Crop” affordance 794, an “Edit”affordance 836 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for a filter effectto any one of the images, an “Apply” affordance 838 activateable (e.g.via a tap gesture) for applying any changes made to the images, a“Preview” affordance 840 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) forpreviewing the slideshow of images with or without changes, and an“Automatic fill” activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) for automaticallyselecting all the captured images 844 and placing in them incorresponding available slideshow image windows 846.

The slideshow, upon activation, would sequentially display the images ofthe slideshow image windows 846, with each image being displayed for apredetermined time before transitioning to the next image in thesequence.

The images can be one or more still images or one or more frames fromvideo.

In the exemplary, FIG. 56 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the“SLIDESHOW” option process to a “COLLAGE” process, with the previous“SLIDESHOW” option process and a next “HANDS-FREE” option process beingviewable to the left and right of the selected “COLLAGE” option process784, respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784 either aheadof and/or behind the selected option process 784 can be displayed andviewable to the user.

When the “COLLAGE” option process 784 is in the selected position on theselectable options bar 782, a next “>” affordance 831 can be displayedand activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to proceed to the “Editing View”or “Review Screen” of the “COLLAGE” operation process, after apredetermined number of images have been captured by activating (e.g.via a tap gesture) the recording start/stop control 32.

Upon selecting the “COLLAGE” option process 784, the GUI 30 can displaythe “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screen includingthe speed selection region 34 and all speed rate/control affordances orindicators 35. The recording start/stop control 32 can include an imageor icon representing that the “COLLAGE” option process is selected andin current operation.

Under the “COLLAGE” option process, video data may alternatively not becaptured, with multiple images being captured for creating a slideshoweffect. In “Camera View”, the recording start/stop control 32 can beactivated multiple times to capture multiple images, with each imagebeing displayed in its own image window in sequential order. After asufficient or predetermined number of images have been capture, the next“>” affordance 831 can be activated to proceed to the “Editing View” or“Review Screen” of the “COLLAGE” operation process, as illustrated inFIG. 57 .

In the Editing View” or “Review Screen” of the “COLLAGE” operationprocess, all the images captured can be displayed in their own capturedimage window 852 in sequential order or automatically arranged so thatall the captures image windows 852 are displayed. Further, the EditingView” or “Review Screen” of the “COLLAGE” operation process can includea “Layout” affordance 854 activateable (e.g. via a tap gesture) foradding a collage layout from multiple selectable layout formats ortemplates, a “Photos” affordance 856 activateable (e.g. via a tapgesture) for selecting or switching between the captured images for usein the selected layout, a rotation affordance 848 activateable (e.g. viaa tap gesture) for rotating the selected image in a select part of thelayout, and a “Save” affordance 850 activateable (e.g. via a tapgesture) for saving the layout.

It can be appreciated that the image in each part of the layout can be,but not limited to, repositioned or orientated within it respectivelayout part or window. The images can be one or more still images or oneor more frames from video.

In the exemplary, FIG. 58 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the “COLLAGE”option process to a “HANDS-FREE” process, with the previous “COLLAGE”option process and a next “CUSTOM” option process being viewable to theleft and right of the selected “HANDS-FREE” option process 784,respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784 either ahead ofand/or behind the selected option process 784 can be displayed andviewable to the user.

When the “HANDS-FREE” option process 784 is in the selected position onthe selectable options bar 782, a next “>” affordance 831 can bedisplayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to proceed to the“Editing View” or “Review Screen” of the “HANDS-FREE” operation process,after a predetermined number of images have been captured by activating(e.g. via a tap gesture) the recording start/stop control 32.

Upon selecting the “HANDS-FREE” option process 784, the GUI 30 candisplay the “Camera View”, which is similar to the “FAST/SLOW” screenincluding the speed selection region 34 and all speed rate/controlaffordances or indicators 35. The recording start/stop control 32 caninclude an image or icon representing that the “HANDS-FREE” optionprocess is selected and in current operation.

In the “HANDS-FREE” option process, the recording operation can beinitiated by a one touch taping gesture of the recording start/stopcontrol 32, and a subsequent one touch taping gesture can stop therecording operation. Alternatively, the recording operation canautomatically stop after a predetermined time period. During therecording operation, the time guidelines 770 can be displayed, and theuser can tap (e.g. via a tap gesture) on the speed rate bar 34 or on thetime guidelines 770 to change the speed rate. The changing of the speedrate can be accomplished before the recording operation starts or duringrecording operation in real time. Any change in the speed rate can bedisplayed by a changing of a characteristic (e.g. color, line type, lineweight, etc.) of the selected speed rate 34, the speed rate indicator 35and/or time guideline 770.

In the exemplary, FIG. 59 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the“HANDS-FREE” option process to a “CUSTOM” process, with the previous“HANDS-FREE” option process and a next “CAPTURE” option process beingviewable to the left and right of the selected “CUSTOM” option process784, respectively. Accordingly, the next option process 784 either aheadof and/or behind the selected option process 784 can be displayed andviewable to the user.

When the “CUSTOM” option process 784 is in the selected position on theselectable options bar 782, a next “>” affordance 831 can be displayedand activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to proceed to the “Editing View”or “Review Screen” of the “CUSTOM” operation process, after apredetermined number of images have been captured by activating (e.g.via a tap gesture) the recording start/stop control 32.

In the “Camera View” of the “CUSTOM” option process, the recordingoperation can be operated by a one touch taping gesture or a touch andholding gesture of the recording start/stop control 32, as previouslydescribed. During the recording operation, the time guidelines 770 canbe displayed, and the user can tap (e.g. via a tap gesture) on the speedrate bar 34 or on the time guidelines 770, or slide the recordingstart/stop control 32 to change the speed rate, as previously described.The changing of the speed rate can be accomplished before the recordingoperation starts or during recording operation in real time. Any changein the speed rate can be displayed by a changing of a characteristic(e.g. color, line type, line weight, etc.) of the selected speed rate34, the speed rate indicator 35 and/or time guideline 770.

This recording operation can be repeated multiple times to createmultiple recordings or images, each of which can be identifiable bytheir one window 890 displayed in sequential order. After a sufficientor predetermined number of videos or images have been captured, the next“>” affordance 831 can be activated to proceed to the “Editing View” or“Review Screen” of the “CUSTOM” operation process, or a trash affordancecan be activated to delete or remove all captured videos or images.

In the “Editing View” or “Review Screen” under the “CUSTOM” operationprocess, all the windows 890 can be displayed, and any or allaffordances 716, 732, 736, 780, 786, 788, 790, 792, 794 can bedisplayed, provided to and utilized by the user for selection via theGUI 30. The video or image displayed in the display region 776corresponds to the selected window 890. This provides multiple video orimage data accessible to the user for selection, playing and altering.

In the exemplary, FIG. 60 illustrates a user swiping left across the ornear the selectable options bar 782, thereby changing from the “CUSTOM”option process to a “CAPTURE” process, with the previous “CUSTOM” optionprocess being viewable to the left of the selected “CUSTOM” optionprocess 784. Accordingly, the next option process 784 behind theselected option process 784 can be displayed and viewable to the user.

When the “CAPTURE” option process 784 is in the selected position on theselectable options bar 782, a drawing affordance 858 can be displayedand activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to allow free hand drawing on thevideo or image.

In the “Camera View” of the “CUSTOM” option process, the recordingoperation can be operated by a one touch taping gesture or a touch andholding gesture of the recording start/stop control 32, as previouslydescribed. With the video recording or image capturing being directedsaved to memory of the device or a remote device/server. During therecording operation, the time guidelines 770 can be displayed, and theuser can tap (e.g. via a tap gesture) on the speed rate bar 34 or on thetime guidelines 770, or slide the recording start/stop control 32 tochange the speed rate, as previously described. The changing of thespeed rate can be accomplished before the recording operation starts orduring recording operation in real time. Any change in the speed ratecan be displayed by a changing of a characteristic (e.g. color, linetype, line weight, etc.) of the selected speed rate 34, the speed rateindicator 35 and/or time guideline 770.

In the exemplary, a user can swipe left or right on the “Camera View” toaccess a “Tools” mode or screen, which can include a polls affordancethat can be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to provideand/or display polling information (e.g. polling data, usage data,reviews, etc.), a “Stat” affordance that can be displayed and activated(e.g. via a tap gesture) to provide and/or display statistical data, a“Map” affordance that can be displayed and activated (e.g. via a tapgesture) to provide and/or display map information (e.g. geotag data,location data, etc.), a “Quiz” affordance that can be displayed andactivated (e.g. via a tap gesture) to provide and/or display a quiz orquestionnaire, and a “Follow Friday” affordance that can be displayedand activated (e.g. via a tap gesture) for recommending to the user'ssocial media followers who they recommend to follow. The user cancontinue swiping left or right to return to the “Camera View” screen, orto an additional screen.

Further in the exemplary, a user can swipe left or right on the “CameraView” screen to access a “Social Media” mode or screen, which caninclude, but not limited to, the following selectable options including“Following”, “Trending”, “#'s”, “Tagged”, “Family”, “VIP”, “Featured”,“Media”, “Favorite” or “Custom”. Selecting on any one of the options candisplay additional options associated with the selected option. Forexample, selecting the option “Following” can display the following, butnot limited to, sub-options including “Snapchat”, “Instagram”, “Tiktok”,“Youtube”, “Twitter” or “Facebook”. Still further, the followingaffordance can be displayed and activated, “Home”, “Search”,“Notification” or “Profile”. The user can continue swiping left or rightto return to the “Camera View” screen, or to an additional screen.

Further in the exemplary, in any of the “Edit View” or “Review Screen”of the GUI, a user can swipe left or right on to sequentially accessimage editing options for the video or image being displayed in thedisplay region. Non-limited examples of effects options can be a “Fade”effect, a “Chrome” effect, a “Transfer effect”, an “Instant” effect”, a“Mono” effect, a “Noir” effect, a “Process” effect, a “Tonal” effect ora “Structure” effect.

Exemplary and/or sample GUI screenshots of design aspects of the presenttechnology are illustrated in FIGS. 61-80 . These figures show examplescreenshots of the present technology being utilized on the electronicdevice, with the phantom (dash-dot-dash) lines depicting environmentalstructure and forming no part of the claimed present technology ordesign and with the dashed (dot-dot) vertical lines representing theguidelines being part of the present technology and design. It can beappreciated by the exemplary screenshots that in some cases the designcan include the guidelines visible to the user, while in other cases theguidelines are not visible. The exemplary screenshots further illustratedifferent arrangements of the guidelines, along with different locationsof the speed selection region, the recording start/stop controlaffordance and the speed rate indicator.

Any or all of the embodiments of the GUI 30 can include verticallyoriented time guidelines 770 that extend vertically up from each of thespeed rate indicators or the speed selection region 34 displayed on theGUI 30 or the display of the device utilizing the GUI. The speed rateindicators 34 can be, but not limited to, −2×, −3×, −4×, −“n”×, 1×, 2×,3×, 4× or “n”×. It can be appreciated that the time guidelines 770 can,in the alternative, extend horizontally across a section of the GUI 30.The time guidelines 770 can be displayed while in camera live one-touchor touch and hold recording mode (e.g. “Camera View”) or in-appone-touch edit mode (e.g. “Editing View” or “Review Screen”).

It can be appreciated that any of the processes, operations, effects,etc. of the present technology can be implemented to the video or imagelive, in real time, while the user is recording a video or capturing animage, or while the video is playing or the image is being displayed.

It can be further appreciated that a user interface can be used in placeof or in combination with the GUI 30 of the present technology, andwherein the user interface can include, but not limited to, graphicaluser interfaces, command line or command language interfaces, naturallanguage interfaces, menu driven interfaces, graphical user interfaces,question-and-answer interfaces, form-fill interfaces, stylus interfaces,touch-sensitive interfaces, speech recognition interfaces, batchinterfaces, conversational interfaces, direct manipulation interfaces,gesture interfaces, hardware interfaces, holographic user interfaces,motion tracking interfaces, object-oriented user interfaces,permission-driven interfaces, tangible user interfaces, text-basedinterfaces, web-based interfaces, or zero-input interfaces.

In the alternative, it can be appreciated that the first or native speedrate of the video data can be modified or changed to the modified speedrate when a finger touches the display screen or GUI 30, and then revertfrom the modified speed rate to the first or native speed rate when thefinger is taken off the screen, or vice versa. This operation can beaccomplished by the processing unit while the video data is being playedon the GUI 30 in real time utilizing any of the video modificationprocesses described with the present technology. This operation canfurther be accomplished with a pointing device instead of finger touch,in that the first or native speed rate is modified or changed to themodified speed rate when the point device is activated or aimed at thedisplay screen, and then revert to the first or native speed rate whenthe pointing device is deactivated or aimed away from the displayscreen.

Alternatively, the GUI 30 can be configured or configurable to utilizeadditional user feedback associated with the device implementing thepresent technology. This feedback can use vibration frequency andintensity, and 3D tactile to indicate the zoom, speed factors, and/orother operational factors.

In use, it can now be understood that a user could initiate a cameraoperation using an electronic device that includes or is operablyassociated with the present technology software application, or the usercould initiate camera operation using present technology softwareapplication that is operably associated with the camera.

Upon operation of the present technology software application, a userinterface is provided to the user for controlling the functions of thepresent technology software application and/or the camera.

The user can initiate a recording function of the camera using theinterface, at which time the present technology software applicationwould receive any raw video data from the camera or remote video feed,which can be associated with a microphone or a peripheral microphone(s).During this operation, the raw video data from the camera and/ormicrophone is diverted to the present technology software applicationinstead of a memory unit, which would normally receive the raw data fromthe camera.

The interface provides a simple input from the user to control therecording speed rate of the raw video data received from the camera. Forexemplary purposes, this input by the user on the interface can bemovement across a portion of a touchscreen or pressure applied to aportion of the touchscreen. It can be appreciated that this input cancome in a variety of forms such as, but not limited to, movement of acursor, voice commands, activation of icons, operation of switches orbuttons, on-screen gestures, infrasonic devices, and the like.

If the user does not provide input to change the speed rate, then theraw video data from the camera is displayed and is written to memory.

Alternatively, if the user does provide input to change the speed rate,then the raw video data is processed using the present technologysoftware application and its associated algorithms in real time. The rawvideo data includes one or more frames, and these frames processed tocreate in a final video data stream that corresponds to the speed rateinputted by the user.

This is accomplished utilizing the present technology softwareapplication to create a modified video data stream. This modified videodata stream can be created by dropping specifically identified framesfrom the raw video data or adding frames to the raw video data bycopying specially identified frames and adding these copied framesadjacent to their original frame or by “frame blending”, whichinterpolates one or more frames in between two reference frames. Thenumber of dropped frames or added frames can be determined and repeatedby the present technology software application until the desired speedrate is achieved.

The present technology software application can then write the raw videodata or the modified video data stream to memory, thereby providing tobe displayed a video in a normal speed rate, a fast motion speed rate ora slow motion speed rate.

It can be appreciated that the speed rate of the video is not modifiedafter writing to memory, thereby recording the video in real time withor without special effects and omitting the need for postproductionediting to change the video speed rate.

The present technology can be configured or configurable so that thealgorithm creates a smoother time modification of the video data stream.For example, the algorithm could fill in video gaps when the user jumpsfrom one speed to another. The algorithm can interpolate data betweentwo or more data points, thus creating even more smoothness, forexample, when going from −3× slow to 4× fast.

During playback, the video can be very abrupt. This can bealgorithmically corrected to smooth out the video to enhance theviewer's experience with perceived higher resolution during thetransition into the beginning of each special effect, during eachspecial effect and the transition from the special effect to normaltime—occurring while the user is moving around and panning the camera asa user would need while capturing special moments (peak moments) in anactive sporting event.

An example of “Peak moment” is when an object being videoed jumps, it isthe instant where there is no more upward momentum, but the person hasnot yet begun to fall. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be utilized tocalculate “peak moment” of the action in a scene being recorded, andtake a predetermined desired action, such as using slow motion slightlybefore and slightly after the “peak moment”.

The present technology can be embedded to any camera device, such asaction cameras like GoPro®, DSLR's, mirrorless cameras, Pro Level videogear, gimbals, tripods, on the camera and remotely triggered flashlighting, eye glass cameras, drones, webcams. The present technology canbe embedded into remote controls and connected through Bluetooth® orother protocols, to existing electronic gear that does not have thepresent technology embedded.

The user interface of the present technology can be represented in 3-Dor 2-D. The user can slide a finger or stylus side to side on thetouchscreen of the electronic device in one plane of motion. With a 3-Duser interface, the electronic device can sense the changes in depth ofthe user's controllers, the amount of pressure the user is applying, andadjust the special effects appropriately. Joysticks can be employed andutilized with the present technology.

The user interface could be pressure sensitive so that the user couldpress harder or softer on the device and the device would interpretthese as controls to modify the playback speed with the fast forward andslow motion special effects.

The present technology can allow for recording at sufficiently highframes per seconds with the resulting “raw” unedited video (recordedwith no special effects applied) can be edited post recording, and theslow motions will remain smooth because the high recording frame ratesupports it relative to a slower playback fps.

It can be appreciated that brainwave sensing devices, implanted orsurface attachment, or wireless remote sensing, can be utilized with thepresent technology to directly control the time speed special effectswith a thought.

Compression technology can be utilized with the present technology toimprove recording at even higher frame rate to record finer details inthe scenery and reduce file size. Device performance can improve andusers can therefore record at even higher frame rate to record finerdetails in the scenery while reducing the file size.

Audio processing algorithms can be utilized with the present technologyto give the clearest and most understandable audios to the videos duringsegments where the scene speeds up and slows down. 3rd party API's fromcompanies such as Dolby Labs, DTS, Inc., Fraunhofer Institut, Philips,Technicolor, IMAX, Sony, and others can be utilized to perform the audioprocessing.

Data encryption algorithms can be utilized with the present technologyto provide secure transmission and storage of the videos.

Cryptography and blockchain technology algorithms can be utilized withthe present technology to create a distributed ledger to record theoriginal content creator of the videos produced with the presenttechnology. The videos can be accessed by requiring cryptographic tokensto be “redeemed” for access permission.

It should be understood that the particular order in which theoperations in the figures have been described is merely an example andis not intended to indicate that the described order is the only orderin which the operations could be performed. One of ordinary skill in theart would recognize various ways to reorder the operations describedherein. Additionally, it should be noted that details of other processesdescribed herein with respect to other methods and/or processesdescribed herein are also applicable in an analogous manner to themethod described above with respect to the figures.

For situations in which the systems, interfaces and/or methods discussedabove collect information about users, the users may be provided with anopportunity to opt in/out of programs or features that may collectpersonal information (e.g., information about a user's preferences orusage of a smart device, biometric data, and environmental data such aslocation). In addition, in some or all implementations, certain data maybe anonymized in one or more ways before it is stored or used, so thatpersonally identifiable information is removed. For example, a user'sidentity may be made anonymous so that the personally identifiableinformation cannot be determined for or associated with the user, and sothat user preferences or user interactions are generalized (for example,generalized based on user demographics) rather than associated with aparticular user. Data encryption can also be utilized and “tokenized”access using the blockchain technology can also be utilized to furtherobfuscate the user's identity.

Although some of various drawings illustrate a number of logical stagesin a particular order, stages that are not order dependent may bereordered and other stages may be combined or broken out. While somereordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will beobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art, so the ordering andgroupings presented herein are not an exhaustive list of alternatives.Moreover, it should be recognized that the stages could be implementedin hardware, firmware, middleware, software, API's or any combinationthereof.

While embodiments of the real time video special effects system andmethod have been described in detail, it should be apparent thatmodifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the present technology. With respectto the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimumdimensional relationships for the parts of the present technology, toinclude variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and mannerof operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obviousto one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to thoseillustrated in the drawings and described in the specification areintended to be encompassed by the present technology. For example, anysuitable sturdy material may be used instead of the above described. Andalthough creating special effects in video recordings while recording isin progress have been described, it should be appreciated that the realtime video special effects system and method herein described is alsosuitable for change frame attributes, change record frame rate, changeplayback frame rate, and time compression and expansion and otherreal-time special effects associated with any data stream in real time.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of theprinciples of the present technology. Further, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the present technology to the exactconstruction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, allsuitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope of the present technology.

What is claimed as being new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows:
 1. An interface system utilizable with controlling a special effects operation of video data, the system comprising: an electronic device including at least one processing unit in operable communication with a display and at least one memory; and a user interface associated with the electronic device and displayable on the electronic device, the user interface comprising: a display region, and one or more affordances configured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing a speed rate of video data; one or more guidelines displayable in the display region; and a finger guideline displayable in the display region when a finger touches the display; wherein at least one of the guidelines and the finger guideline including a parameter associated with the input, wherein at least one of the one or more affordances is a speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data, and wherein at least one of the guidelines displayed on the user interface is activated, modified or deactivated automatically based on a distance between the speed rate affordance and one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidelines are displayed upon activation of at least one of the one or more affordances or while at least one of the one or more affordances is in an activated state.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidelines are not displayed upon deactivation of at least one of the one or more affordances or while at least one of the one or more affordances is in a deactivated state.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the parameter being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of color, pattern, length, thickness, flashing, brightness, shape, orientation, and display time.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidelines are vertically oriented in the display region with each of the guidelines extending from or being associated with the speed rate indicator displayed on the user interface, and wherein the finger guideline is vertically oriented in the display region from a point of contact of the finger on the display.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the guidelines are multiple guidelines, and a color of at least one of the guidelines is changed to a different color to that of at least one other of the guidelines based in part on the input.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed rate affordance or at least one of the guidelines on the user interface is activated, modified or deactivated based on a touch input on the display.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the input being associated with a gesture on the display of the electronic device, the gesture being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, a sliding, a pinch, and a touch holding and sliding.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein a video playing speed of the video data is changed from a first speed rate to a modified playing speed rate in response to the input, and wherein changing of the video playing speed is accomplished by the processing unit of the electronic device or a remote processing unit of a remote device in communication with the processing unit of the electronic device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed rate of the video data is changed from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate when the finger touches the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate when the finger is removed from the display.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed rate of the video data is changed from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate upon a first finger tap on the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate upon a second finger tap on the display.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the affordances is movable on the user interface to provide a movable affordance.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the movable affordance is configured or configurable in determining a change in zoom factor of the video data based on vertical movement of the movable affordance on the user interface.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein the movable affordance is the speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more affordances includes a slide bar associated with changing the speed rate of the video data.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit receives the video data in real time from a camera.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the speed rate is a recording speed rate while the video data is being recording by the electronic device.
 18. A non-transitory computer readable medium with an executable program stored thereon comprising instructions for execution by at least one processing unit for controlling a special effects operation of video data, such that the instructions when executed by the at least one processing unit causes the at least one processing unit to: display video data on a user interface displayed on a display of an electronic device; receive, by the processing unit, an input from an affordance of the user interface upon activation of the affordance by a user, the input being utilizable in changing a speed rate of the video data, the user interface being executable by the at least one processing unit and displayable on the display; display on the user interface one or more guidelines; display on the user interface a finger guideline when a finger touches the display; and activate, modify or deactivate at least one of the guidelines on the user interface based on a distance between the affordance and one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface, and wherein the affordance is a speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data; wherein at least one of the guidelines and the finger guideline including a parameter associated with the input.
 19. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to: modify, by the processing unit, the video data to create modified video data at a modified speed rate that is different to a first speed rate of the video data; and change, by the at least one processing unit, a playing speed of the video data being displayed on the user interface from the first speed rate to the modified speed rate based in part on the input.
 20. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to display the guidelines upon activation of the affordance or while the affordance is in an activated state.
 21. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to not display the guidelines upon deactivation of the affordance or while the affordance is in a deactivated state.
 22. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the parameter being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of color, pattern, length, thickness, flashing, brightness, shape, orientation, and display time.
 23. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the guidelines are vertically oriented in a display region of the user interface, with each of the guidelines extending from or being associated with the speed rate indicator displayed on the user interface, and wherein the finger guideline is vertically oriented in the display region from a point of contact of the finger on the display.
 24. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the guidelines are multiple guidelines, and wherein the processing unit is further caused to change a color of at least one of at least one of the guidelines to a different color to that of at least one other of the guidelines based in part on the input.
 25. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to activate, modify or deactivate at least one of the guidelines or the speed rate affordance on the user interface based on a touch input on the display.
 26. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the input being associated with a gesture on the display of the electronic device, the gesture being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, a sliding, a pinch, and a touch holding and sliding.
 27. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is incorporated in the electronic device or is incorporated in a remote device in communication with the processing unit of the electronic device.
 28. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to change the speed rate of the video data from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate when the finger touches the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate when the finger is removed from the display.
 29. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit is further caused to change the speed rate from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate upon a first finger tap on the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate upon a second finger tap on the display.
 30. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein at least one of the affordances is movable on the user interface to provide a movable affordance.
 31. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 30, wherein the processing unit is further caused to change a zoom factor of the video data based on vertical movement of the movable affordance on the user interface.
 32. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the affordance includes a slide bar associated with changing the speed rate of the video data.
 33. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the processing unit receives the video data in real time from a camera.
 34. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the speed rate is a recording speed rate while the video data is being recording by the electronic device.
 35. A method for controlling a special effects operation of video data, the method comprising the steps of: a) displaying a user interface including a speed rate affordance on a display operably associated with an electronic device including at least one processing unit and at least one memory in operable communication with the processing unit; b) receiving, by the processing unit, an input associated with the speed rate affordance based upon activation by a user, the input being associated with changing a speed rate of video data; c) displaying, by the processing unit, output video data to the display; d) displaying one or more guidelines on the graphical user interface; e) displaying a finger guideline on the graphical user interface when a finger touches the display; and f) activating, modifying or deactivating at least one of the guidelines on the user interface based on a distance between the speed rate affordance and one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface; wherein at least one of the guidelines and the finger guideline including a parameter associated with the input.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the guidelines are displayed upon activation of the speed rate affordance or while the speed rate affordance is in an activated state.
 37. The method of claim 35, wherein the guidelines are not displayed upon deactivation of the speed rate affordance or while the speed rate affordance is in a deactivated state.
 38. The method of claim 35, wherein the parameter being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of color, pattern, length, thickness, flashing, brightness, shape, orientation, and display time.
 39. The method of claim 35, wherein the guidelines are vertically oriented in a display region of the user interface, with each of the guidelines extending from or being associated with at least one of the speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface, and wherein the finger guideline is vertically oriented in the display region from a point of contact of the finger on the display.
 40. The method of claim 35 further comprising activating, modifying or deactivating at least one of the guidelines or the speed rate affordance on the user interface based on a touch input on the display.
 41. The method of claim 35, wherein the input being associated with a gesture on the display of the electronic device, the gesture being selected from the group consisting of any one or any combination of a tap, a multiple tap, a touch holding, a sliding, a pinch, and a touch holding and sliding.
 42. The method of claim 35, wherein the processing unit is incorporated in the electronic device or is incorporated in a remote device in communication with the processing unit of the electronic device.
 43. The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of changing the speed rate of the video data from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate when the finger touches the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate when the finger is removed from the display.
 44. The method of claim 35 further comprising the step of changing the speed rate from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate upon a first finger tap on the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate upon a second finger tap on the display.
 45. The method of claim 35, wherein the speed rate affordance is movable on the user interface to provide a movable speed rate affordance.
 46. The method of claim 45 further comprising the step of changing a zoom factor of the video data based on vertical movement of the movable speed rate affordance on the user interface.
 47. The method of claim 35, wherein the user interface includes a slide bar associated with changing the speed rate of the video data.
 48. The method of claim 35, wherein the processing unit receives the video data in real time from a camera.
 49. The method of claim 35, wherein the speed rate is a recording speed rate while the video data is being recording by the electronic device.
 50. An interface system utilizable with controlling a special effects operation of video data, the system comprising: an electronic device including at least one processing unit in operable communication with a display and at least one memory; and a user interface associated with the electronic device and displayable on the electronic device, the user interface comprising: a display region, and one or more affordances configured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing a speed rate of video data; and one or more guidelines displayable in the display region, at least one of the guidelines including a parameter associated with the input; wherein the one or more guidelines are each a vertical linear line extending across the display region, wherein at least one of the one or more affordances is a speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data, and wherein at least one of the guidelines displayed on the user interface is activated, modified or deactivated automatically based on a distance between the speed rate affordance and one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface.
 51. An interface system utilizable with controlling a special effects operation of video data, the system comprising: an electronic device including at least one processing unit in operable communication with a display and at least one memory; and a user interface associated with the electronic device and displayable on the electronic device, the user interface comprising: a display region, and one or more affordances configured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing a speed rate of video data, wherein at least one of the affordances is movable on the user interface to provide a movable affordance; and one or more guidelines displayable in the display region, at least one of the guidelines including a parameter associated with the input; wherein the movable affordance is configured or configurable in determining a change in zoom factor of the video data based on vertical movement of the movable affordance on the user interface and configured or configurable in changing the speed rate of the video data based on horizontal movement of the movable affordance on the user interface.
 52. An interface system utilizable with controlling a special effects operation of video data, the system comprising: an electronic device including at least one processing unit in operable communication with a display and at least one memory; and a user interface associated with the electronic device and displayable on the electronic device, the user interface comprising: a display region, and one or more affordances configured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing a speed rate of video data; and one or more guidelines displayable in the display region, at least one of the guidelines including a parameter associated with the input; wherein at least one of the one or more affordances is a speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data, and wherein at least one of the guidelines displayed on the user interface is activated, modified or deactivated automatically based on a distance between the speed rate affordance with one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface.
 53. An interface system utilizable with controlling a special effects operation of video data, the system comprising: an electronic device including at least one processing unit in operable communication with a display and at least one memory; and a user interface associated with the electronic device and displayable on the electronic device, the user interface comprising: a display region, and one or more affordances configured or configurable to provide an input utilizable in changing a speed rate of video data; and one or more guidelines displayable in the display region, at least one of the guidelines including a parameter associated with the input; wherein the speed rate of the video data is changed from a first speed rate to a modified speed rate when the finger touches the display, and then revert from the modified speed rate to the first speed rate when the finger is removed from the display, wherein at least one of the one or more affordances is a speed rate affordance associated with changing the speed rate of the video data, and wherein at least one of the guidelines displayed on the user interface is activated, modified or deactivated automatically based on a distance between the speed rate affordance and one or more speed rate indicators displayed on the user interface. 